SC Seeks Resolution as Punjab Urges Farmers to Join Court Panel Talks

Punjab government informs SC that protesters are unwilling to engage with the court-appointed panel.

On Monday, the Supreme Court expressed optimism regarding a potential resolution to the ongoing farmers’ protest along the Punjab-Haryana border. The positive outlook came after the Punjab government informed the court that a group of protesting farmers had agreed to meet the chairman of the court-appointed panel for discussions.

The protests, which have been ongoing for months, have caused significant disruptions in the region, particularly in areas along the Punjab-Haryana border. Farmers have been protesting against the controversial farm laws, demanding their repeal, and calling for better support for the agricultural community.

The Supreme Court, which had previously taken cognizance of the issue, has been encouraging dialogue between the farmers and relevant authorities. The Punjab government has been actively working to persuade the protesters to engage with the court-appointed panel, which was set up to mediate and resolve the deadlock.

While some farmers have expressed their willingness to engage in talks, there has been resistance from other factions within the protest groups. The government’s recent update to the apex court has brought a sense of hope that the dialogue process may lead to a breakthrough.

The court has repeatedly emphasized the importance of resolving the matter peacefully, ensuring that both the concerns of the farmers and the government’s interests are addressed. As the situation progresses, the Supreme Court is hopeful that further talks will pave the way for a resolution that brings an end to the long-standing protests.

The farmers, led by prominent leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for 41 days, have been protesting along the Punjab-Haryana border since February 2024. Their demands center around systemic agricultural reforms and legal guarantees for the Minimum Support Price (MSP). The farmers seek assurance that MSP will be legally protected to prevent exploitation and ensure fair pricing for their produce. Dallewal’s hunger strike has drawn significant attention to the cause, amplifying their call for policy changes that would benefit the agricultural community and provide financial security to farmers. Despite the challenges and resistance, the protesters remain firm in their demand for a comprehensive solution that addresses their concerns and supports the future of farming in the country.

“We hope better sense prevails…talks take a good shape,” remarked a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh after the Punjab government informed the bench about the breakthrough in the ongoing farmers’ protest. The court expressed optimism that the willingness of some protesting farmers to engage with the court-appointed panel would pave the way for productive discussions and a potential resolution. The justices’ remarks reflect their hopes that the dialogue process would lead to a positive outcome, helping to resolve the prolonged standoff peacefully.

The bench expressed hope for positive outcomes following a statement from senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who represented the Punjab government. Sibal informed the court that some protesters had agreed to meet Justice Nawab Singh, the chairman of the court-appointed committee, for discussions. This development raised hopes that the long-standing farmers’ protest could be addressed through meaningful dialogue, potentially leading to a resolution of the key issues, including agricultural reforms and legal guarantees for the Minimum Support Price (MSP). The court’s optimism was fueled by the willingness of the protesters to engage in talks with the committee’s chairman.

“We have somehow managed to persuade some protesters… Some of the encroachers and protesters are meeting Justice Nawab Singh today at 3 pm. We are hopeful there would be a breakthrough. Please, give us some time,” Sibal submitted. His statement to the bench highlighted a potential turning point in the ongoing farmers’ protest, as the engagement with the court-appointed panel chairman brought renewed hope for a resolution. Sibal’s request for time reflects the government’s confidence that discussions could yield positive results, bringing an end to the long-standing standoff.

Accepting this submission, the bench adjourned the hearing to January 10. The Punjab government has consistently informed the apex court that the protesters had been unwilling to engage with the court-appointed panel unless the Union government offers an assurance or makes a formal statement addressing their demands. Against this backdrop, the developments will be closely watched to see which section of the protesters meets Justice Singh and what outcomes emerge from the discussions. The outcome of these talks could be a key turning point in resolving the ongoing farmers’ protest and addressing their long-standing concerns.

The protest, ongoing for nearly a year, escalated with the hunger strike of Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been fasting for 41 days to press for the farmers’ demands. The Supreme Court had previously reprimanded the Punjab government for its failure to hospitalize Dallewal despite deteriorating health and medical advice. This raised concerns about the protest leader’s well-being and brought attention to the growing urgency of addressing the farmers’ grievances. The Court’s intervention highlighted the need for timely and effective action to resolve the standoff and ensure the safety of those involved in the protest.

In a December 2 hearing, the court warned Punjab’s administration against creating an impression that it sought to undermine Dallewal’s protest or break his fast. It also warned the state’s chief secretary and director general of police (DGP), threatening contempt action over ineffective handling of Dallewal’s hospitalization and the prolonged blockade at the border points.

During the brief hearing on Monday, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Union and Haryana governments, informed the bench that the report of the Supreme Court-appointed five-member committee is ready and likely to be submitted by the next hearing.

The court had previously also questioned the Union government’s reluctance to engage with protesting farmers. “Why can’t your client make a statement that you would address their genuine grievances?” the justice Kant-led bench had asked Mehta during the January 2 hearing, emphasizing the need for dialogue to defuse tensions and resolve the ongoing standoff.

Formed in September 2024, the committee, headed by former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Justice Nawab Singh, was tasked with addressing farmers’ demands. It has engaged with multiple stakeholders, including representatives from agriculture and horticulture departments, the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), and NITI Aayog.

As reported by Hindustan Times on November 23, the committee is examining critical issues, including the legal sanctity for MSP (Minimum Support Price), direct income support, and sustainable agricultural practices.

On December 20, the court directed the state to take urgent steps to hospitalize Dallewal, noting his precarious health condition and his steadfast refusal to end his fast until the farmers’ issues are resolved. During proceedings on December 18 and 20, the court warned that if any harm came to Dallewal, the blame would lie entirely upon the state machinery.

Dallewal has been on a hunger strike since November 26, aiming to highlight the diverse needs of farmers, including a legal guarantee for MSP (Minimum Support Price), debt relief, and other agrarian reforms.

The case reached the Supreme Court following an appeal filed by the Haryana government, challenging an order from the Punjab and Haryana High Court to lift the blockade at Shambhu border. This blockade was set up to prevent farmers from marching to Parliament to present their demands.

Farmers under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) have been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13 last year, after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. The protests have caused significant disruptions in Punjab and Haryana, prompting the Supreme Court’s intervention and mediation efforts. Despite the formation of the court-appointed committee, the deadlock has continued, with farmers holding firm on their demands for agricultural reforms and legal guarantees.

In earlier hearings, the Supreme Court sharply criticized both the Union and Punjab governments for their handling of the farmers’ issues. On December 28, the bench expressed severe disapproval of Punjab’s failure to hospitalize Dallewal, calling it not merely a “failure of law-and-order machinery” but an “abetment to suicide.” The court reiterated the constitutional right of farmers to protest but emphasized the need to balance this with public order and safety.

Furthermore, the court expressed concerns about the actions of certain farmer leaders, warning against irresponsible statements that hindered a resolution. The bench raised doubts about the sincerity of such leaders, particularly those who appeared unconcerned with Dallewal’s deteriorating health, remarking, “We doubt the bona fides of such leaders who do not bother about Mr. Dallewal’s health and life.”

COURTESY: NewsX Live

References

Exit mobile version