By Zee Media Bureau,Zee News
Copyright india
The Supreme Court on Wednesday observed that jailing farmers for burning stubble would act as a deterrent and send a strong message.Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai made this observation while hearing petitions related to the severe air pollution that chokes Delhi-NCR every October.“Why don’t you think of some penalty provisions? If some people are behind bars, it will send the correct message, the CJI said.Why Is There Reluctance To Impose Fines On farmers?CJI Gavai also questioned why fines were not being imposed on farmers if the real intention was to curb pollution.“If you have a real intention of protecting the environment, then why shy away? the CJI said.The Chief Justice of India explained that jail sentences should not be seen as routine punishment but rather as a deterrent. “Not as a routine, but to send a message, he said.According to the Law Beat report, the Supreme Court took cognizance of the large-scale stubble burning and said that stubble burning is not only a violation of the law but also a violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.SC Request To CAQMEarlier this year, in February, the Supreme Court of India requested the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to hold a meeting with representatives from the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to discuss proposed action plans to address the problem of stubble burning.A detailed note was submitted by Aprajita Singh, Amicus Curiae, along with a detailed note by CAQM and the Department of Agriculture, Central Government on paddy straw management.The suggestions were divided into three categories: (a) crop diversification, (b) in-situ crop residue management, and (c) ex-situ crop residue management. The plan also called for extensive awareness and consultation drives, according to Law Beat.In November last year, the Supreme Court reprimanded the governments of Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, asking them to immediately ban stubble burning.ALSO READ: Patna High Court Orders Takedown Of AI Video On PM Modis Mother, Directs Congress To Remove From All Platforms
