On Friday, the issue of the farmers’ protest reached the Supreme Court as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed, alleging that the central government and certain states have violated the rights of peacefully protesting farmers.
Supreme Court PIL
The PIL was filed by social activist Agnostos Theos, who identifies as the Managing Director of the Sikh Chamber of Commerce. The petition seeks a writ of mandamus in favor of the farmers who are peacefully protesting, claiming that governments in Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh have resorted to aggressive and violent measures against them. These measures reportedly include the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and pellets against the demonstrators.
The petition contends that the peaceful farmers have been unfairly treated by their government, likening their conditions to those faced by terrorists. It further asserts that the lack of medical aid has worsened injuries and led to deaths among the protestors.
The relief measures sought by Theos include the consideration of reasonable demands of farmers by the Centre, fair treatment of protesting farmers by both the Centre and states, unrestricted movement of public and vehicles across Delhi borders, submission of reports by national and state human rights commissions on police brutality against peaceful protestors, and adequate compensation for farmers and their families whose fundamental rights have been violated.
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In a separate incident, a clash erupted in Kheri Chopta village in Haryana’s Hisar district when thousands of farmers attempted to move towards Khanauri border but were halted by the police. Tear gas shells were fired and stones were thrown, resulting in injuries on both sides.
Since February 13, farmers from Punjab have been stationed at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders with Haryana, aiming to take their ‘Dilli Chalo’ agitation to Delhi. However, they have been obstructed by the Haryana Police and central paramilitary forces at the state’s borders with Punjab.
