Supreme Court Criticizes Centre for 'Toothless' Environmental Law Enforcement

The Supreme Court criticized the Centre for inadequate enforcement of the CAQM Act regarding stubble burning penalties. Justices pointed out implementation flaws, while the Additional Solicitor General assured future action. Despite issuing notices, over 1,000 stubble burning cases occurred in Punjab, drawing the court's ire.

The Supreme Court has criticized the Centre for rendering the environment protection law ineffective. The criticism focused on the lack of implementation of penalties under the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Act, 2021, targeting stubble burning.

A bench including Justices Abhay S Oka, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, and Augustine George Masih highlighted the absence of necessary mechanisms to enforce measures curbing air pollution.

Despite assurances from Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati about future implementation, over 1,000 stubble burning incidents have been reported in Punjab, intensifying the court's concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)