New Delhi, Sept. 18 -- A Bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K.V. Chandran gas suggested that the Union government should consider introducing penal measures to address stubble burning. The Court inquired whether stubble burning is prohibited under existing law. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati noted that prosecutions were previously possible under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 (EPA), but the relevant provision had been withdrawn.

Questioning this, CJI Gavai remarked, "Why is it withdrawn? Imprisoning offenders would send the right message." Bhati explained that penalties are now imposed under the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Act, 2021, targeting erring officials. Unsatisfied, CJI Gava...