A bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ahsanuddin Amanullah stated that instead of registering first information reports against offending farmers, the government should consider withholding minimum support prices (MSP) to such farmers for their crops.
“You will register FIRs, then withdraw. Registering FIR is not the solution actually. It has to be incentive based or even punitive measures. Like, just thinking out loud, some who burns stubble will not be given MSP next year. Carrot and stick is up to you. Farm fires must stop. Cannot be lackadaisical, Attorney. All the States are responsible. Get the Chief Secretaries and find a solution,” the Court said.
The Court, however, clarified that it was not advocating for a total removal of MSP on paddy.
The bench was hearing a case dealing with the deteriorating air quality in Delhi and stubble burning in neighbouring States, which was said to be one of the biggest contributors to air pollution.
Stubble burning refers to the practice of farmers setting fire to straw stubble which remains in fields after the harvest of grains like wheat and paddy. The stubble is burnt to prepare the fields for the next set of crops. It is the easiest and cheapest way to clear the fields but leads to a drastic dip in air quality.
The Court on Friday opined that farmers are a part of the society and they have to be responsible.
“Farmers are also a part of society. They have to be more responsible, and we have to be more responsive to their needs. But people cannot be made to die,” the Court said.
It, therefore, called upon the State authorities to talk to farmers and motivate them to give up the practice.
“I understand that farmers are very well organised in Punjab. Why don’t you talk to the bodies? Motivate them,” said Justice Amanullah.
Source: Barandbench
