(Madan B. Lokur and Deepak Gupta, JJ.)
M.C. Mehta _____________________________________ Petitioner;
v.
Union of India and Others _________________________ Respondent(s).
IA No. 127792/2017 In Writ Petition(s) (Civil) No(s). 13029/1985, decided on January 29, 2018
(Appln. For Directions Filed by Amicus Curiae) With SLP(C) No. 17437-17438/2005 (XIV) W.P.(C) No. 1109/2017 (PIL-W)
The Order of the court was delivered by
Order
IA NO. 127792/2017
1. Learned amicus curiae has placed on record some comments and recommendations made by EPCA on the report of the Sub-Committee of the High Level Task Force on prevention of stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh.
2. Learned Additional Solicitor General says that the comments and recommendations made by EPCA will be forwarded to the High Level Task Force for consideration.
3. Learned Additional Solicitor General has also placed on record an affidavit to indicate that the Director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi was fully aware of the contents of the Report as it was served on him on 27th December, 2017. The affidavit is taken on record and no further orders are required to be passed on this.
4. We expect the High Level Task Force to adhere to the time lines decided upon by itself and to ensure full compliance by all concerned.
5. We would also request the Union of India to give publicity to the Report of the High Level Task Force so that the people are aware of the action being taken. Publicity can be given through the print and electronic media as well.
6. In view of the above, application stands disposed of. The issue of stubble burning and its impact on the environment stands closed.
7. We acknowledge the contribution made by Ms. Aparajita Singh, learned amicus curiae in taking keen interest and for rendering effective assistance to this Court and also the non-adversarial manner in which the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has dealt with the issue.
SLP(C) No. 17437-17438/2005
8. No further orders are required to be passed in these petitions. They are accordingly disposed of.
W.P.(C) No. 1109/2017
9. The matter is adjourned.
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