Supreme Court Raps Panjab Governor, Suggests Paddy MSP Withdrawal

After the Panjab and Tamil Nadu governments accused their state governors of delaying action on bills cleared by the assemblies. For context, see SDW Vol. 1, Issue 8, the Supreme Court came down hard on both governors on 9 Nov. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, urged both the governors to not delay the bills that have been cleared by the elected assembly. ‘You're playing with fire. We are not happy with what is happening in Panjab.’ The AAP government in Panjab has been successful in establishing the narrative that the Governor is at fault. The bench also questioned the Panjab government on why it adjourned and did not prorogue the budget session of its assembly. In another case on Panjab’s stubble burning leading to air pollution in Delhi Capital Region, the Court on 7 Nov noted that Panjab needs a switch over to alternative crops other than paddy. The Court said the switchover could take place only if MSP was withdrawn from paddy and shifted to other crops. It also suggested Panjab re-look its Subsoil Water Act, 2009 and the Centre should give subsidies for purchasing necessary equipment. The Amicus Curiae informed the Court that smog towers installed by the Delhi government were not working. Justice Kaul termed it ‘ludicrous.’ As discussed in SDW Vol.1 Issue 4, focusing on one of the causes for air pollution - that too a marginal one - will not solve the crisis. Also, there is now apprehension that the Union government will latch on to the lowest hanging fruit from the case: stopping MSP for paddy.