India, Sept. 18 -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday underlined that farmers in Delhi's neighbouring states cannot enjoy "absolute immunity" from prosecution for burning crop residue, which is a major contributor to the toxic haze that grips the capital and its adjoining regions every winter. It suggested that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) consider introducing penal provisions to hold violators accountable, while also stressing that both the Centre and states must adopt long-term strategies instead of focusing only on "the next five years."

A bench of Chief Justice of India Bhushan R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran made the observations while hearing a case concerning vacancies in state pollution control boards. The co...