The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered the state governments of Punjab and Haryana to implement its earlier directive on crop residue management, citing the environmental and health impact of stubble burning. Background: The court had earlier issued a directive to the state governments to take steps to prevent stubble burning and to promote crop residue management. Parties: The petitioner, a farmer, had approached the court seeking implementation of the directive. Legal issues: The court considered the provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the principles of environmental law. Court observations: The court observed that the state governments had failed to take adequate action to implement the directive and that it was necessary to take immediate steps to prevent environmental degradation. Significance: The judgment highlights the importance of ensuring environmental protection and the need for the government to take proactive steps to prevent pollution. It also underscores the role of the judiciary in protecting the environment and ensuring that the government acts in accordance with the law.