Punjab, long infamous for stubble burning that clouds northern India in smog every post-harvest season, presents a curious paradox: despite the registration of thousands of FIRs against farmers for burning crop residue, legal action appears minimal, yet farm fires have declined sharply over the past few years. Understanding this apparent contradiction requires examining the interplay of politics, law, practical incentives, and alternative enforcement mechanisms.

The Pollution Problem and the FIR Trend

Farm fires, especially burning paddy stubble after harvest, have long contributed to air pollution spikes in Delhi and surrounding regions, sometimes accounting for as much as 30 percent of particulate matter on particularly smoggy days. In response, authorities in Punjab have increasingly relied on filing First Information Reports (FIRs) against farmers engaging in stubble burning. Yet, these FIRs have largely failed to translate into sustained legal consequences.

Between 2022 and 2024—the period during which the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been in power—around 7,000 FIRs were registered in Punjab against farmers for burning paddy stubble. The highest number was recorded in 2024, with 5,783 FIRs, compared to 1,144 in 2023 and just 44 in 2022. As of November 4, 2025, the state had registered 972 FIRs during a crackdown that coincides with the annual post-harvest period when much of north India suffers toxic haze.

However, despite the large number of FIRs, follow-up legal action has been negligible. In key hotspot districts such as Patiala, Sangrur, Muktsar, Moga, and Faridkot, not a single FIR in the past three years has resulted in the filing of a chargesheet in court. Most cases either languish without investigation or are resolved with nominal fines.

The Decline in Farm Fires

Interestingly, satellite data from NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) shows a significant drop in the number of farm fires in Punjab. From nearly 47,000 fires in 2022, the figure dropped to around 31,000 in 2023 and 9,000 in 2024. As of November 7, 2025, the number of stubble fires was just 3,500.

This decline occurs despite the apparent ineffectiveness of FIRs as a deterrent, suggesting that other factors are influencing farmer behavior.

Legal Challenges: Why FIRs Go Nowhere

One reason FIRs fail to translate into convictions lies in the legal framework itself. Beginning in 2024, FIRs for farm fires have been registered under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which punishes “disobedience of public orders issued by officials” with a maximum of six months’ imprisonment, a fine up to ₹5,000, or both. Previously, cases were filed under the equivalent Indian Penal Code section, which imposed a lighter fine of ₹1,000.

Even under the new law, cases often hit a dead end. Investigations are frequently dropped when farmers claim that fires originated from neighboring fields. Legal experts note that the law is inadequate for environmental violations, as bail can be secured immediately at the level of the local police station, effectively neutralizing the threat of punishment.

Sukhpal Gill, Punjab’s Director of Prosecution, denied that prosecutions were lax but did not provide details on the number of cases reaching chargesheet stage over the three years.

Political Sensitivity and Vote-Bank Considerations

Beyond legal limitations, FIRs are constrained by political realities. Farmers constitute a sensitive electoral demographic in Punjab, and governments, irrespective of party, are wary of antagonizing them. Former Punjabi University professor Kesar Singh Bhangu explains, “Farmers are a politically sensitive class and a strong vote pocket. No government can afford to annoy them.”

Even when courts direct authorities to take action, officials often rely on mild sections of law to maintain a facade of enforcement. Police officers recognize that FIRs against farmers are unlikely to produce meaningful outcomes due to political pressures and the risk of protests. Bathinda-based commentator Bakhtaur Dhillon cites the 2021 farm protests as a watershed moment, noting that no state government today risks confronting farmers directly given their demonstrated political leverage.

Alternative Approaches: Technology and Incentives

Experts argue that legal threats are not the most effective tool for reducing stubble burning. Adarsh Pal Vig, former chairman of the Punjab Pollution Control Board, advocates for providing farmers with practical alternatives to burning, such as mechanized equipment to manage crop residue or financial incentives for eco-friendly disposal.

“The decline in stubble burning is not because of FIRs but because the government finally provided alternatives over time,” Vig notes. Indeed, the drop from tens of thousands of fires to just over 3,000 this year reflects a shift in farmer behavior driven by access to better technology and awareness, rather than fear of legal action.

Farmer unions also push back against the narrative that Punjab’s stubble burning is the primary cause of Delhi’s pollution. Manjit Singh Dhaner, senior vice-president of Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta-Dakaunda), states, “Various studies have shown that crop residue burning by Punjab farmers is not the primary cause of Delhi’s pollution. Why are the Centre and courts determined to portray Punjab’s farmers as enemies of humanity?”

The Role of ‘Red Entries’

A less conspicuous but potentially more effective deterrent has been the use of “red entries” in land revenue records. A red entry is a notation in the jamabandi (land ownership record) that carries no immediate punishment but can block government schemes and complicate bank loans for the affected land.

An official explains, “In case of FIR, farmers know the police won’t take action due to political pressure. In case of red entries, they know it may hamper their subsidies and loans, which makes them more likely to comply.” In 2025 alone, over 1,200 red entries were made in Punjab, alongside the imposition of environmental compensation amounting to ₹66.90 lakh, of which ₹32.60 lakh has been recovered.

Government Perspective and Regulatory Feedback

The AAP government informed the Centre’s Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) about the notable drop in stubble burning during a recent visit. Officials highlighted red entries and other measures as contributing factors. CAQM chairperson Rajesh Verma acknowledged the improvement, calling Punjab’s efforts commendable while cautioning that vigilance must continue as harvest season approaches its end.

Conclusion: A Complex Balancing Act

The Punjab case illustrates that environmental enforcement is rarely straightforward when intertwined with politics, livelihoods, and social norms. FIRs, intended as a deterrent, have had limited effect due to political sensitivities and weak legal provisions. Yet, through a combination of practical alternatives, administrative measures like red entries, and evolving farmer behavior, the state has witnessed a tangible decline in stubble burning.

Experts suggest that this nuanced approach, balancing enforcement with incentives and community engagement, offers a more sustainable model than punitive legal action alone. As Punjab navigates its role in northern India’s pollution challenge, the lessons here underline the importance of blending law, technology, and policy with socio-political awareness to achieve meaningful environmental outcomes.

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