Supreme Court declines immediate intervention in Punjab-Haryana farmers’ protest, citing ongoing proceedings in Punjab and Haryana High Court. Plea sought guidelines to disperse protesters and clear road blockades, emphasizing relief from the agitation’s disruptions.
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NEW DELHI: On Tuesday(12th March), The Supreme Court of India has taken a definitive stance regarding the ongoing farmers’ protest at the Punjab-Haryana border. The apex court decided not to entertain a plea that sought immediate intervention in the matter, citing the ongoing proceedings in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The plea, which was brought before the Supreme Court, demanded the formulation of guidelines to disperse the protesting farmers from the roads and to take strict action against those obstructing the thoroughfares. The petition aimed at seeking immediate relief from the road blockades caused by the farmers’ agitation.
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However, the bench, led by Justice Surya Kant, addressed the petitioner with a reminder of the High Court’s active involvement in the issue.
“The counsel for the petitioner claimed that nothing has been happening on the ground,”
– despite the High Court’s engagement. In response, the Supreme Court highlighted the redundancy of conducting parallel proceedings in both courts, emphasizing the progress already made by the High Court.
Justice Surya Kant expressed the court’s perspective with clarity, stating:
“Directions have already been passed by the High Court. Why do you want us to start parallel proceedings? We understand why people prefer to file a PIL before the Supreme Court, and we appreciate that.”
This statement underscores the judiciary’s approach to respecting the hierarchy and processes within the legal system.
Further elaborating on the implications of the Supreme Court’s intervention, Justice Kant remarked:
“Whatever hard work the High Court has done, whatever stage they have reached, that will go away. They will raise their hands as the Supreme Court is hearing. Will it serve anyone’s cause? You can always approach the High Court and assist the court.”
This reflects the judiciary’s intent to maintain the sanctity and efficiency of legal proceedings by avoiding unnecessary overlaps.
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The Supreme Court’s decision came with a consideration for the urgency of the matter. It was noted that had the High Court adjourned the case for an extended period, then an approach to the Supreme Court could have been warranted. However, under the current circumstances, the apex court found it more appropriate to allow the High Court to continue its hearings without interference.
In light of these developments, the Supreme Court permitted the petitioner to withdraw the plea, encouraging them to contribute to the ongoing proceedings in the Punjab and Haryana High Court instead.
Meanwhile, the farmers’ protests continue to gain momentum as participants from Punjab and Haryana persist with their ‘Dilli Chalo’ march. The protesters, who have been camping at strategic border points such as Shambhu and Khanauri, are advocating for their demands, which notably include the implementation of a legal guarantee ensuring a minimum support price for their crops.
