India, Sept. 18 -- Concerned over the usual spike in pollution levels in winter, the Supreme Court asked the Punjab Government on Wednesday why some errant farmers should not be arrested for indulging in stubble burning, a key contributor to air

pollution, to send across a stern message.

"You take a call, otherwise we will issue a mandamus," a bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran said while making strong observations on the issue.

The bench was hearing a suo-motu (on its own) plea relating to filling up vacancies in the state pollution control boards of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab.

The court asked these states, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Cent...