The Supreme Court (SC) of India has directed Punjab and Haryana to continue the current negotiation process with the protesting farmers at the Shambhu blockade. The aim is to persuade them to retreat from the blockade of the highway.
Court’s Injunction for Continued Negotiation–
The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta, and Ujjal Bhuyan, asked both state governments to persist in their meetings with the farmers. They instructed the governments to continue these discussions until progress is made. The Court asked them to report back on the progress of those discussions during the hearing scheduled for September 2.
Independent Committee Formation End–
It has also suggested that the Supreme Court (SC) would set up an independent Committee to help the farmers bargain with the governments. For this purpose, the bench directed the Haryana and Punjab governments to come up with suggested issues for consideration by the Committee. The Committee will have wide-ranging terms of reference to solve recurring law and order problems satisfactorily and without bias.
Scope for More Members in Committee–
The Court granted three days to Punjab to suggest more names for the Committee. This step will ensure that the Committee members engage in constructive debate and find viable solutions.
Status Quo at Shambhu Border–
The Court has passed an order to maintain the status quo regarding the situation at the Shambhu border near Ambala. Earlier, the Court had asked the Senior Superintendent of Police, Patiala, and Ambala, and the Deputy Commissioners of the two districts to deliberate on partially opening the highway. The Committee will have a wide-ranging mandate to address and resolve recurring law and order problems satisfactorily and without bias.
Background of the Dispute–
This follows the Punjab and Haryana HC’s July 10 order to remove barricades and reopen the highway within one week. The controversy had begun in February when the Haryana government had set up barricades on the Ambala-New Delhi national highway. It was in response to announcements by farmers’ bodies planning a march to Delhi to press for a legal guarantee for the MSP of crops.
Purpose of the Court Intervention–
Thus, the Supreme Court’s intervention aims to resolve the impasse fairly and in the interest of all parties. Accordingly, the Court has proposed an independent Committee. It continues discussions to address both current and long-standing issues affecting the region. SC urged to end Shambhu Blockade.
ANI
