The Supreme Court in response to the widespread stubble burning in neighboring states contributing to severe pollution in Delhi sharply criticized the Centre on Wednesday for rendering the Environmental Protection Act ineffective through recent amendments. The court expressed concern that the amendments had weakened the act by eliminating criminal penalties, thereby making it “toothless.” This came in light of the ongoing pollution crisis exacerbated by the burning of crop residue in states like Punjab and Haryana.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Centre, assured the court that the necessary rules would be finalized within 10 days to ensure that Section 15 of the Act is “fully operational.” Section 15 outlines the penalties for violations of environmental regulations.
The Supreme Court, however, was highly critical, stating, “If these governments and the Centre were serious about safeguarding the environment, everything would have been done before the amendment to Section 15.” The court went on to accuse the issue of being politically driven, stating, “This is all political, nothing else.”
The court also took a tough stance against Punjab and Haryana, whose chief secretaries were present in court. It dismissed their efforts to curb farm fires as “mere eyewash” and criticized Punjab for its lack of prosecution against those violating the ban on stubble burning. The Supreme Court further accused Punjab’s chief secretary of making false claims regarding requests for funds for farmers’ equipment, threatening to issue contempt proceedings.
As Delhi’s air quality worsened, with many areas reaching the “severe” pollution category, the court called for stringent actions to be taken swiftly.
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