The Supreme Court on Monday raised serious concern over Delhi’s worsening air quality and warned that stubble burning should not become a political ego battle. The bench, led by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, said the issue must not be used to blame farmers. Instead, farmers should be sensitised and provided with proper machinery to manage crop residue rather than being held responsible every year.
The Court stressed that the crisis cannot be treated as a seasonal formality. The CJI told the Centre and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) that no authority can remain idle and that scientific, accountable measures are urgently required.
Supreme Court Demands Report
The bench highlighted that even though stubble burning continued during the COVID-19 lockdown, Delhi’s skies remained clear and blue. The Court noted that halted activities such as vehicular movement and construction pointed towards the need to identify the biggest contributor to the city’s toxic air. It directed the Centre to submit a detailed report on non-stubble pollution sources within a week.
Meanwhile, a PIL filed in the Delhi High Court criticised authorities for delayed and cosmetic actions. It stated that pollution levels had touched the ‘severe’ and ‘hazardous’ categories and alleged that a ‘life-threatening’ red alert issued on November 21 was ignored.
