New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Sunday challenged the long-standing narrative that stubble burning by farmers is the primary cause of the severe air pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). In a sharp observation, the court noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, when stubble burning was prevalent, Delhi’s skies were clear, suggesting that other factors may play a larger role in the toxic air episodes.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, emphasized that the issue of farm fires should not be politicized or treated as a matter of ego, but rather examined scientifically and comprehensively. “Stubble burning was there during the Covid, but why could the people still see clear blue sky?” the Chief Justice remarked, according to Live Law reports.

Multiple Causes Behind Delhi’s Air Pollution

During the hearing, the top court pressed the central government to provide an immediate report within a week detailing mitigation measures addressing factors beyond stubble burning, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to air quality management.

CJI Surya Kant observed:

“As per the scientific analyses, which is contributing the most? We do not want to comment on stubble burning… incorrect to burden the people who are hardly represented in the court.”

Justice Bagchi raised the issue of construction dust and ongoing building activity, questioning how effectively the construction ban, imposed during high pollution periods, was implemented on the ground.

The court underscored the importance of systemic action, including stricter monitoring of vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and urban dust, instead of disproportionately focusing on seasonal stubble burning.

Government’s Submission on Pollutants

Representing the Centre, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati stated that Action Taken Reports (ATRs) from Punjab, Haryana, and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) would be filed soon. While acknowledging that the goal of “zero stubble burning” has not been fully achieved, the ASG stressed that farm fires are only a seasonal contributor to Delhi’s overall pollution problem.

Bhati also referred to studies conducted by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in 2016 and 2023, highlighting vehicular emissions and industrial dust as major contributors to poor air quality in Delhi-NCR.

Stubble Burning Cases Decline, But Pollution Persists

The Supreme Court’s observations coincided with the government informing Parliament that Punjab and Haryana recorded a 90% reduction in stubble burning incidents during the 2025 paddy harvesting season compared to 2022. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav noted that while farm fires remain an episodic issue, multiple local and regional factors contribute to Delhi’s air pollution.

As part of mitigation efforts, over 2.6 lakh crop residue management machines have been distributed to farmers, and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has mandated rent-free availability of these machines to small and marginal farmers. The government also highlighted that Delhi has witnessed 200 “good” air quality days (AQI <200) so far in 2025, a substantial improvement from 110 in 2016.

Systemic Measures and Policy Questions

The Supreme Court questioned the composition and expertise of the CAQM, urging a review of whether the commission is equipped to manage air pollution in a megacity like Delhi, where vehicle density surpasses that of several other metro cities combined.

The bench also explored the potential for systemic interventions similar to the 1990s Supreme Court mandate for CNG buses, suggesting that innovative solutions and stricter enforcement may be necessary to tackle vehicular emissions, a key contributor to smog formation in Delhi.

Way Forward

The top court directed the government to revisit existing action plans, ensure their effective implementation, and provide tangible evidence of positive outcomes. The matter is scheduled for the next hearing on December 10, 2025.

Experts suggest that a multi-pronged approach addressing construction dust, industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and meteorological factors—in addition to stubble burning—will be critical for lasting improvement in Delhi-NCR air quality.

The Supreme Court’s remarks highlight the need to shift the focus from blame to actionable solutions, emphasizing that air pollution is a systemic issue requiring coordinated governance rather than a seasonal or political problem.