Delhi Air Pollution and Stubble Burning: Supreme Court Seeks Explanation from Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

Today (September 24, 2024), the Supreme Court (SC) of India sought an explanation from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Delhi NCR Air Pollution and the issue of stubble burning. The Amicus Curiae in the case mentioned the matter before the top court today concerning the issue of stubble burning and highlighted a newspaper report which stated that stubble burning has already started. The matter was heard by a two-judge bench of the SC constituting Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih. Amicus Curiae said, “Stubble burning has begun. I am seeking directions to the CAQM to explain why ... and what action they have taken against erring officials.” Justice Oka replied, “Yes, we want answers. We will have it Friday.” Earlier in November 2023, the Supreme Court pulled up the Governments of Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana to take immediate steps to stop stubble burning by farmers in the state as the air quality amid the national capital, Delhi, worsened.