This morning, farmers from Punjab initiated their ‘Delhi Chalo’ march to emphasize their demands, following an inconclusive meeting with two Union ministers regarding their requests, which include a legal assurance for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, recognizing the significant traffic congestion in the national capital region resulting from the farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, announced today that he would make arrangements to accommodate lawyers who are delayed by the protest-induced traffic.
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New Delhi: Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, acknowledging the extensive traffic congestion in the national capital region due to the farmers ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, stated today that he would accommodate lawyers if they are delayed by traffic caused by the protests.
“If anyone has a problem due to the traffic situation, we will adjust”
-a bench comprising the CJI and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra told lawyers at the outset of the day’s proceedings.
Farmers from Punjab this morning commenced their ‘Delhi Chalo’ march to press for their demands, after a meeting with two Union ministers over their demands, including legal guarantee to MSP for crops, remained inconclusive.
BACKGROUND
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), President of Adish Aggarwala, wrote a letter Today to Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud. He urged the CJI to take action against farmers trying to enter Delhi forcefully, disrupting citizens’ lives. Aggarwala also asked CJI Chandrachud to direct courts not to issue adverse orders when lawyers are absent.
The ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, led by 200 farmers’ unions, is urging the Centre to meet various demands. These include ensuring a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops, forgiving all farm debts, providing pensions for farmers, and implementing recommendations from the Swaminathan Commission.
On February 13, security was increased at Delhi’s borders. Police have set up barricades and suspended internet services in some districts. Section 144 has been enforced at the Uttar Pradesh borders to maintain order.
Multiple layers of barricades, with wires, nails, concrete blocks, and containers, have been placed at entry points to Delhi. Due to traffic restrictions and heightened security, commuters have faced difficulties traveling between Delhi and nearby NCR towns.
“I am compelled to write this letter to bring to your kind notice that despite the best efforts of the Government of India to protect the interest of the farmers, some farmers are enroute to Delhi from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab and are gearing up for a large-scale protest in the national capital on February 13,”
–Adish Aggarwala stated in the letter.
“Earlier, in 2021 and 2022, three Delhi borders with the neighbouring states remained blocked for several months due to a similar protest, causing hardship to the general public. It is also a matter of record that many persons died while trying to come to Delhi for better medical treatment but could not reach Delhi hospitals in time due to road blockades,”
-The letter stated.
“In light of today’s farmers’ protest, Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh Police have heightened security at the Singhu, Ghazipur, and Tikri borders, setting up nails and road barricades to deter vehicles transporting protesters from entering Delhi. Additionally, cranes and earthmovers are being employed to place large containers on the roads to obstruct their free passage into the Union Capital,”
–it added.
READ LETTER:
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