Supreme Court’s Tough Stance on Stubble Burning: MSP Benefits at Stake

Supreme Court's Tough Stance on Stubble Burning: MSP Benefits at Stake

VoM News Desk | November 21, 2023 | 10:00 PM IST | Courts & Law | Follow on Google News

Supreme Court’s Tough Stance on Stubble Burning: MSP Benefits at Stake

Supreme Court’s Tough Stance on Stubble Burning: MSP Benefits at Stake

In a recent hearing on the escalating air pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court made a striking suggestion. The apex court proposed that farmers who engage in stubble burning, contributing to air pollution, should be denied the benefits of the Minimum Support Price (MSP). The bench, comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia, raised a critical question: “Why should people who violate the law get economic benefits?”

Debating Economic Penalties and Farmers’ Concerns

The court’s deliberations went further, suggesting that paddy should not be made available to those who burn their fields. This proposal aims to deter future instances of farm fires. Justice Kaul expressed his views strongly, emphasizing the need for consequences for those who repeatedly violate the law despite counseling and court observations. Meanwhile, Justice Dhulia highlighted the need to understand and address the farmers’ perspective, pointing out that they often face vilification without a chance to voice their concerns.

Punjab Government’s Role and Alternatives to Stubble Burning

The bench also scrutinized the Punjab government’s decision to provide crop residue management tools for free, questioning the practicality of this approach given the additional costs like diesel and manpower. The court urged Punjab to emulate Haryana’s approach of financial incentives to discourage stubble burning. It emphasized that the state should fully fund machinery for poor farmers, acknowledging this as a state duty.

Long-Term Environmental and Agricultural Concerns

The Supreme Court expressed concern over Punjab’s depleting water table and the gradual aridification of the land. It urged the Attorney General to explore ways the government could discourage paddy cultivation and promote alternative crops. The court underscored the importance of the Centre and state governments working collaboratively, beyond political interests, to address the issue of crop residue burning.

Additional Directions and Next Steps

The court noted the continued increase in farm fires, with numerous FIRs filed and environmental compensations imposed in Punjab. It scheduled the next hearing for December 5 and directed the Delhi and Uttar Pradesh governments to report on incidents of waste burning. The bench also tasked the Cabinet Secretary’s Committee with addressing the non-implementation of colour-coded stickers for vehicles and ensuring compliance with pollution control measures at private construction sites.

VoM News Desk

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