Haryana, Punjab govts must ensure implementation of CAQM’s direction: SC on stubble burning

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday heard a plea regarding stubble burning in parts of North India that has played an important role in deteriorating air quality in the national capital and adjoining areas. It asked the Punjab and Haryana governments to ensure that directions issued by the CAQM is implemented.

Asking the Centre to find a long-term solution to address the threat of air pollution, Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai observed that the livelihood of large sections of the population in other states is dependent on Delhi.

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SC’s direction to Punjab and Haryana Governments

“We direct the Chief Secretaries of Haryana and Punjab to ensure that the directions issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in its report dated November 13, 2025, to prevent stubble burning, are implemented, the CJI said.

He added, “We have granted one day for a proper response from the authorities to find a long-term solution to address the threat of air pollution, and have directed the matter to be listed on November 19.”

Current index cannot read above 999 AQI: ASG

Arguing before the bench, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, noted that the current index cannot read above 999 AQI. She urged the bench to direct the CAQM to explain the monitoring system they are using. To this, the CJI noted that the equipment, according to the amicus, is not suitable for Delhi. However, ASG countered this by stating that the equipment used is among the best in the world.

Earlier, the bench comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justices K Vinod Chandran and N V Anjaria agreed to hear the plea on November 17. "Let Punjab and Haryana governments respond on steps taken to control stubble burning," the CJI had said earlier as per PTI. On November 3, the apex court asked the CAQM to file an affidavit with the steps taken so far to prevent the air pollution in Delhi-NCR from dropping further.