•Supreme Court Statement: SC criticized Punjab and Haryana govts for inconsistent enforcement of penalties for stubble burning.
•Violate Rights: SC noted that this selective penalization violates citizens’ right to a pollution-free environment under Article 21 of the Constitution.
•Recurring Issue: SC pointed out that pollution cases increase every winter, questioning the effectiveness of past court orders.
•Lack of Enforcement Machinery: SC stated that no proper system for collecting fines under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, has been established.
•Penalties Under the Act: Section 15 specifies penalties, including up to five years of imprisonment and fines of ₹1 lakh for violations
•Government Commitment: Government assured that the necessary enforcement machinery would be implemented within two weeks.