TV Debates Creating More Pollution; Everyone Has Their Own Agenda : CJI NV Ramana

"I have to say something at the outset....I heard some irresponsible and nasty utterances on television media against me that I misled the Court on stubble burning", the Solicitor General submitted as soon as the bench led by the Chief Justice of India NV Ramana assembled.

"That day, I recollect, when I pointed out the figure of 4% (as mentioned in the Centre's affidavit regarding Stubble Burning contribution), Mr.Vikas Singh pointed out that in the annexure of the affidavit the figure is 35%. We were not misled at all", Justice Chandrachud said.

"I have repeatedly told you that you get this type of criticism when you hold a public office", the Chief Justice of India told the SG.

The SG then went on the read out from the affidavit of the Union Government to clarify his position. He submitted that the overall contribution of stubble burning throughout the year might be less but its contribution increases during the October-November months.

"I have said some factors contribute throughout the year and some for limited time like stubble burning which happens in neighbouring states for 2 months..kindly see, the impact of stubble burning is not through out the year but is felt during the winter...there is also increased wind movement in the direction of NCR during these months...I have also said Post Diwali there have been increase of fire and stubble burning instances and how efforts need to be taken to reduce the stubble burning as it becomes 35 to 40 percent in 2 months..", the SG clarified.

"It was projected as if Central Government said 4% (as contribution of stubble burning) due to elections (the upcoming assembly elections in Punjab)", the Solicitor General said.

"As a law officer, I cannot go to the media and the court is the only platform I have to clarify", the SG added.

Farmers Stubble Burning Contributes To 10% Pollution, Centre Says; 'Hue & Cry Baseless', Says Supreme Court

Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for the petitioner Aditya Dubey, submitted that an oral statement was made by the SG the previous day that the stubble burning contributes less than 10%.

Senior Advocate Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the Delhi Government, pointed out that a study by SAFAR estimates the contribution of stubble burning as around 36% to pollution.