Today(30th Sept),The Delhi High Court dismissed a PIL seeking the removal of the Singhu border blockade, stating that petitioners should address the issue with the city police. The petitioners argued that the barricades are causing significant disruptions despite the absence of protesting farmers.
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NEW DELHI: Today(30th Sept), the Delhi High Court refused to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought the removal of the blockade at the Singhu border, a critical junction on National Highway-44, connecting Delhi and Haryana. The petitioners highlighted that despite the absence of protesting farmers, the barricades continue to cause major disruptions for commuters. The court, however, advised the petitioners to file a formal representation with the city police for further action.
The petitioners, represented by their counsel, argued that the Singhu border remains barricaded, even though there are no longer any protests by farmers at the site. The continued blockade, they contended, is resulting in significant public inconvenience.
However, a bench comprising Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, expressed that this issue falls within the jurisdiction of local authorities rather than the judiciary.
“The issue has to be looked into by the authorities concerned and not the court,”
-the bench noted, signaling that the responsibility of addressing the matter lies with law enforcement agencies and governmental authorities.
The court instructed the petitioners to file a representation with the Delhi Police, stating that the complaint would be handled promptly.
“Directing the petitioners to initially submit a representation to the Delhi Police, the bench stated that it should be resolved promptly.”
-according to the court’s directive.
The PIL was filed by three individuals who described themselves as “public-spirited persons” concerned about the ongoing blockade. The petition argued that the barricading of the Singhu border on National Highway-44 had lasted for more than seven months, creating severe traffic disruptions in the area and causing undue hardship to the general public.
“The respondents, comprising the Delhi government and the Centre, have obstructed the highway at the Singhu border, which links Haryana to Delhi, by installing extensive roadblocks and barricades.”
-the petition stated.
It further emphasized that no alternative routes had been provided to ensure smooth travel between the two states, which has led to an increased burden on smaller roads in nearby villages. These ancillary roads, not designed to handle large volumes of traffic, have resulted in traffic bottlenecks, frustrating daily commuters.
According to the petition, many people from Haryana regularly travel to Delhi for medical treatment, work, or other essential purposes. With the Singhu border blocked, they are now compelled to take longer, more circuitous routes, adding to their difficulties.
The petition asserted-
“The petition emphasized the constitutional right to free movement, stating that many individuals from Haryana travel to Delhi for medical treatment but are currently experiencing difficulties.”
The petitioners underscored the prolonged nature of the situation, pointing out that even though the farmer protests have long ceased, the roadblocks remain.
“Despite the fact that no farmers have protested at the Singhu border for over seven months, the respondents have still blocked the road, resulting in significant traffic jams and causing considerable inconvenience to the public.”
-they stated.
The Singhu border became a flashpoint during the massive farmer protests against the now-repealed farm laws, which began in late 2020. Thousands of farmers from across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh converged on the border, demanding the withdrawal of the three farm laws passed by the central government.
The protests, which lasted over a year, saw farmers camping at various entry points to Delhi, including the Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur borders. While the protests remained largely peaceful, the blockades caused significant disruptions to traffic on major highways, affecting both local residents and inter-state commuters.
Following the central government’s decision to repeal the contentious farm laws in November 2021, the protests eventually dispersed. However, as the petition highlighted, despite the absence of protesting farmers, the barricades at the Singhu border have not been removed, leading to ongoing traffic disruptions.
The petitioners’ grievance reflects the concerns of countless commuters who have been affected by the lingering barricades. The Singhu border is a vital transit point for people traveling between Haryana and Delhi, and the blockade has severely impacted the daily lives of individuals who rely on the highway for work, healthcare, and other essential services.
Residents of nearby areas and frequent travelers have long expressed their frustration with the situation. Despite repeated requests for relief, the blockade has remained in place, exacerbating traffic congestion on alternative routes and adding to travel times for those navigating between Delhi and Haryana.
The petition emphasized the urgency of restoring normalcy, arguing that the continued blockage of National Highway-44 is “infringing on the fundamental rights” of individuals who need to travel freely and without unnecessary hindrances.
With the court’s ruling, the petitioners have now been directed to present their case to the Delhi Police, who will be responsible for addressing the matter. The police will need to assess whether the continued barricading at the Singhu border is still necessary and whether it can be removed to alleviate the public’s difficulties.
The court’s direction, while not offering immediate relief, provides a potential pathway for the resolution of the issue. If the police respond favorably to the petitioners’ representation, it could lead to the lifting of the blockade and the restoration of normal traffic flow on National Highway-44.
For now, the ball is in the Delhi Police’s court, as they evaluate the situation and determine the best course of action to balance public convenience with security considerations.
