Following the deterioration of air quality in the Delhi-National Capital Region, the Supreme Court issued a strong directive on Tuesday, November 7, demanding swift action from the Governments of Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana.

The court emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue of stubble burning by farmers in these states, identifying it as a significant factor contributing to air pollution.

The Court appointed the local State House Officer, with the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police providing overall oversight, as the designated authority responsible for preventing crop burning.

A bench consisting of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia issued a directive for an immediate meeting between the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, to ensure the immediate cessation of crop burning.

Furthermore, the Court instructed the Delhi Government to take measures to prevent the burning of municipal solid waste within the city during open-air conditions, as this has been a recurring issue. Senior Advocate Aparajitha Singh, acting as the amicus curiae in the case, apprised the Court that the smog towers previously installed by the Delhi Government, as per earlier directives, were not functioning as intended. In response to this, the Court expressed its dismay, labeling the situation as 'ludicrous,' and promptly directed the Delhi Government to undertake immediate actions to repair and rectify the malfunctioning smog towers.

The Court also issued a directive to the Delhi Government to enforce strict measures to ensure that only taxis registered within Delhi are permitted to operate within the capital. This action is deemed necessary due to a significant influx of taxis from other states carrying just one passenger and operating within the National Capital Region.

“We want it (stubble burning) stopped. We don't know how you do it, it’s your job. But it must be stopped. Something has to be done immediately,” Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, the presiding judge of the bench, told Advocate General of Punjab Gurminder Singh during the hearing.

"We do not care how you do it..it must stop. Whether by sometimes forceful actions and sometimes by incentives...You have to stop the fire. Your administration must do so. Your local SHO must be held responsible.. from today onwards they must start working on it," Justice Kaul said.

The Court scheduled a hearing for the upcoming Friday to closely monitor the progress in addressing this matter. In the order, the Court expressed concern, stating, "The residents of Delhi are enduring health problems year after year due to our inability to find a solution to the issue. This demands immediate attention and ongoing court oversight, regardless of whether there is improvement or not."