The Supreme Court on Wednesday (October 23) emphasized that stubble burning is not merely an issue of breach of law but it constitutes violation of citizens’ fundamental right to live in a pollution-free environment, guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.

A bench of Justice Abhay Oka, Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah, and Justice Augustine George Masih was hearing the MC Mehta case concerning air pollution in Delhi NCR, specifically focusing on stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana.

Criticising the failure of both states and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to take penal action against violators, the Court last week had summoned the Chief Secretaries of Punjab and Haryana.