Today (April 1st), the Supreme Court declined to halt the judicial inquiry mandated by the Punjab and Haryana High Court into the demise of a 22-year-old individual amid the farmers’ protest at the Punjab-Haryana border.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Today declined to stay the judicial investigation directed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court into the death of a 22-year-old youth amid the farmers’ protest at the Punjab-Haryana border.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan acknowledged the genuine concerns of those who approached the High Court for the inquiry. Justice Kant noted,
“Allegations are against Haryana Police. Let it come up before High Court on April 10.”
Responding to the Haryana government’s argument that the order might affect the morale of the police force, the bench remarked,
“Your apprehension has no basis.”
The matter arose from an appeal filed by the Haryana government against a Punjab and Haryana High Court ruling. On February 7, the High Court had directed the formation of a committee, headed by a retired High Court judge and two Additional Director Generals of Police (ADGP), to investigate the farmer’s death.
The deceased, Shubhkaran Singh from Bathinda, Punjab, lost his life during clashes between security personnel and farmers at the Khanauri border last month. This incident occurred as various farmer unions marched towards Delhi to press for their demands, including a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the State, questioned the necessity of registering a First Information Report (FIR) for every incident, citing the difficulty in maintaining law and order amidst protests. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, where police faced injuries during the protests.
However, the Supreme Court underscored that the High Court was solely focused on the issue of the farmer’s death and that similar appointments of judges had been made in the past to ensure transparency and fairness in investigations.
While Mehta urged the Court to consider the demoralization of the police force, the bench emphasized the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining the morale of both the force and the public. The Court also suggested waiting for the investigation report.
The case will be heard next on April 19.
CASE TITLE:
The State Of Haryana v. Uday Pratap Singh.
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