Supreme Court To Hear Petition On Farmers’ Movement On December 9

The Supreme Court is set to hear a petition on December 9 regarding the ongoing farmers’ protests, particularly the blockade of key borders, including the Shambhu border. Gaurav Luthra, a resident of Punjab, filed the petition, calling for the reopening of all state borders that the protests have closed. Luthra argues that these border closures violate the fundamental rights of citizens and demands that the Central, Punjab, and Haryana governments take immediate action to open the borders.

Call For Action Against Highway And Railway Blockades

In addition to requesting the reopening of borders, the petition also seeks instructions to ensure that protesting farmers do not block national highways or railway tracks.

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Luthra emphasizes that such blockages are violations of the National Highway Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). He demands that authorities take legal action against those obstructing vital transportation routes, asserting that such acts are unlawful and disrupt public life.

Background Of The Protest And Previous Court Ruling

Farmers from Haryana and Punjab have been protesting at the Shambhu border since February 13, demanding a fair Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their produce. The petition, filed as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on November 7, has drawn attention to the ongoing struggles of farmers.

In a related matter, the Supreme Court recently addressed the case of Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. The court urged him and other protesting farmers to avoid blocking highways and causing inconvenience to the public. While the Court refrained from commenting on the merits of the protest, it emphasized that peaceful protests should not disrupt daily life.

Farmers’ Continued Demands And Center’s Response

Farmers have accused the Central Government of neglecting their concerns and claimed that the government has not held any talks since February 18 regarding their demands. Among the key issues raised are the legal guarantee for MSP, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pension provisions for farmers and farm laborers, agricultural loan waivers, restoration of the 2013 Land Acquisition Act, and compensation for families of farmers who died during the 2020-2021 protests. The farmers’ movement continues to gain national attention as they push the government to address these longstanding demands.