New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Centre to persuade farmers to shift or temporarily suspend their movement on highways so that the blockade is removed.
A Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan was hearing the plea of State of Haryana against Punjab & Haryana High Court’s direction to unblock the Shambhu Border.
The plea was regarding inconvenience caused to commuters due to farmers protests at the Delhi-Haryana Border.
The border was closed in February this year due to farmers’ protests, by raising demands such as Crop prices etc.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta apprised the court that in September this year a committee was constituted. Progress of the committee is slower than we anticipated…but still, a report has come.
Punjab Attorney General said, Good issues have been suggested. They are headed in the right direction.
Justice Kant said It’s preliminary.
Justice Kant said that strong recommendation is that don’t do any force. Also tell farmers to maintain peace.
Let it go the Gandhian way, the Top Court emphasized.
The Court told the Solicitor General that, “you can invite the Advocate General of Punjab and discuss.
Justice Kant said, the blockade of the highway is for a reason and we want that reason to be identified.
The cause may be fully or partially correct, the court said.
“We are not inclined to issue a direction which will be difficult to implement, the Court said.
Attorney General R Venkataramni said, Finances of State is suffering due to blockade.
Justice Kant said, “Committee might be best to convince farmers. For time being they may suspend.
They can shift. We are not saying that they shouldn’t protest. Suspension can be for a while, talks can go on’.
If nothing materialises, agitation can go on.
The Primary task of committee is to persuade farmers to shift or temporarily suspend their movement so that blockade is cleared.
Some time has to be given to the Committee to address the issues.
Counsel for one of the farmer leaders said that one farmer is staging protest and is fasting unto death. The farmer leader Dalewal is fasting unto death, his health is deteriorating day after day.
Justice Kant said, please both State and Centre do something on this.
The advocate said, that in the newspaper Tribune it can be seen that IG/DIG is sitting with this leader.
He is a Senior Citizen and on fast unto death.
But there are other measures, he said.
AG said, the use of force shouldn’t be there.
Justice Kant said he can be on fast.
You make efforts to see that nothing happens, the court said.
Make an effort to persuade farmers to clear Highways for smooth travel.
They may temporarily suspend their agitation.
Member Secretary assures that the committee will resolve to persuade farmers. During course of hearing – a newspaper item was handed over of December.
Farmer leader Dalewal who is on fast-unto-death at Khanauri on the Punjab-Haryana border since 17 days. His health condition is deteriorating. He being a senior citizen, he has critical health issues and being a prominent farmer leader, it is duty of State of Punjab and Government to provide immediate medical aid to Dalewal without delay.
Justice Kant said that his health is very important.
Persuade Dalewal and other farmer leaders to take emergent medical care.
AG said please don’t say anything on shifting to hospital as it can create a problem.
Justice Kant said, there shouldn’t be any problem with taking him to PGI. The AG said that Patiala is nearer.
We are forced with situations on the ground at times.
The court said that the health of protesting farmer should be considered.
The court then posted the matter to be heard on next Tuesday at 10:30 am.
In September, the Court had constituted a High-Powered Committee to hold negotiations with the farmers protesting at Shambhu border.
