The Supreme Court on Wednesday encouraged protesting farmers to bring their grievances directly before the court. This follows reports that farmer leaders did not attend meetings with a court-appointed panel addressing their demands.
A bench led by Justice Surya Kant emphasized that the court’s doors remain open for farmers to voice their concerns. Farmers can present their demands directly or through authorized representatives, the bench stated. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, also on the bench, urged Punjab authorities to provide medical care to farmer leader Dallewal, who has been on a fast unto death since November 26 at the Punjab-Haryana border.
Dallewal, a 70-year-old cancer patient, is protesting to demand legal guarantees for minimum support price (MSP) for crops, a loan waiver, and agricultural reforms. The bench expressed concerns over his deteriorating health and directed Punjab authorities to ensure proper medical aid.
Apex Court Dismisses Repeated Pleas on Highway Blockades
The court addressed a fresh plea seeking the removal of highway blockades attributed to protesting farmers. Justice Kant clarified that the court is already handling the matter and declined to entertain repetitive petitions. The court assured that it would issue appropriate orders on the reopening of highways after further deliberation.
In September, the Supreme Court formed a committee to mediate between the government and farmers. The panel, headed by Justice Nawab Singh, includes experts and former officials. It was tasked with negotiating the removal of tractors and trolleys from highways while offering alternative protest sites.
Panel Continues Efforts to Resolve Farmer Protests
The court-appointed panel comprises former Haryana DGP BS Sandhu, agricultural analyst Devender Sharma, economist Dr. Sukhpal Singh, and others. Despite ongoing efforts, talks between farmer leaders and authorities remain inconclusive.
Union Ministry of Home Affairs official Mayank Mishra and Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav recently met Dallewal under the Supreme Court’s directive, marking the first direct interaction since February.
The court reiterated the importance of balancing farmers’ right to protest with the public’s need for unobstructed highways. Farmers have been protesting since 2020, seeking a resolution to their long-standing demands.
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