Supreme Court Proposes Criminal Prosecution for Stubble Burning; Centre Cites Policy and Feasibility Concerns
A Supreme Court Bench led by CJI B.R. Gavai suggested reintroducing criminal prosecution for farmers involved in stubble burning to curb winter air pollution in northern India. The Court emphasized that while farmers are vital, they must also protect the environment, advocating for a 'carrot and stick' approach. However, the Union government opposed this, stating that current policy focuses on cooperative measures rather than punitive jail terms. The Centre noted that farmers are currently exempted from prosecution under the Commission for Air Quality Management Act as a matter of policy to avoid criminalizing the agricultural community.
Key Points
- The CJI advocated for criminal prosecution to send a strong message against environmental pollution.
- The Centre argued that its policy is to take farmers along rather than putting them behind bars.
- Farmers are currently exempted from prosecution under the Commission for Air Quality Management Act.
- The Court warned it might issue a 'mandamus' if a uniform policy across states is not developed.
Exam Facts
- CJI B.R. Gavai headed the Bench.
- Commission for Air Quality Management Act governs the current exemption for farmers.
- Key states involved in the stubble-burning issue: Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
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