Mohali, Sept. 29 -- In the season's first FIR against stubble burning in Mohali, police have booked a farmer from Dera Bassi under Section 223 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Environment Protection Act.

This comes after the Supreme Court, on September 17, took a stern view and observed that farmers in Delhi's neighbouring states cannot enjoy "absolute immunity" from prosecution for burning crop residue, which is a major contributor to the toxic haze that grips the Capital and its adjoining regions every winter. The top court had also suggested that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) introduce penal provisions to hold violators accountable, while also stressing ...