In a landmark decision, the Madhya Pradesh High Court Bar Association has announced that its members will not represent farmers accused of stubble burning, citing significant environmental concerns. This resolution was made during an executive committee meeting where the detrimental effects of stubble burning on public health and the environment were discussed.
The association’s president, Advocate D.K. Jain, emphasized the widespread harm caused by stubble burning, including the increase in respiratory and other health ailments among the populace. “Stubble burning not only pollutes the environment but also kills microorganisms essential for soil fertility, thereby posing a severe risk to ecological balance and public health,” Jain explained.
Madhya Pradesh, reported to be leading the country in the incidence of stubble burning, has seen a corresponding rise in health and environmental issues, particularly affecting the life quality of residents in northern states. The association’s decision reflects a growing legal and societal push to enforce stricter compliance with environmental laws.
The court and governmental bodies have periodically issued guidelines to tackle this pervasive issue. However, the continued practice has prompted the Bar Association to take a stand, choosing not to support the legal defense of those who engage in these environmentally destructive acts.
