The Supreme Court, on Friday, asked the Punjab and Haryana governments to recommend names of independent persons to be part of an independent committee, comprising those who have to intercede with farmers who are agitating at Shambhu border on the assurance given by it for MSP for crops. "The initiation of the dialogue process should at least start without a clash and nothing shall be done to inflame the situation further," the court said.
The Supreme Court was hearing a plea by the Haryana government, challenging an order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, to remove the barricades at the Shambhu border where protesting farmers began gathering on February 13. It, therefore, urged both states not to escalate the issue and that agricultural equipment could proceed to places of need like farms.
The bench, headed by Justices Surya Kant and R. Mahadevan, mentioned that while citizens have every right to express their grievances against any issue in a democratic setup, such grievances can be addressed at their spot. The court had earlier mooted on July 24 constituting an independent committee of eminent persons to negotiate with the agitating farmers.
While arguing during the hearing on Friday, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the state government of Haryana had done everything the court ordered on July 24. The counsel representing Punjab explained the opening of the highway in phases. The bench has asked both the states to share their drafts with each other and warned against incessant squabbling.
He contended that it was quite unreasonable to expect farmers to come to the national capital and further observed that the farmers did not come forth before the high court despite a notice. He asked for states to provide some potential committee members for the smooth initiation of discussions involving all parties.
It suggested the bench that persons of repute and experience, probably former judges with expertise in agriculture or agricultural scientists, economists and professors of agricultural universities would enhance the confidence of farmers.
One of the advocates wanted the Shambhu border to at least be opened for essential and emergency vehicles. Locals are facing a lot of hardship to reach Ambala hospitals that remain blocked on the other side. The bench suggested that some kind of coordination mechanism should be evolved between the police of both states so that at least ambulances and vehicles carrying senior citizens are able to use the highway.
The Supreme Court accepted that there was some compliance with the July 24 directions to formulate the committee. It asked the states to suggest common names to be included on the committee and to deal with the issue of barricades. Next hearing on the matter was posted for August 12. The interim arrangements shall continue till further orders. The barricades were raised by the Haryana government on the Ambala-New Delhi highway in February over a proposed march of farmers to Delhi by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, Non-Political, and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.
Read also | Heavy Rain Hits Delhi-NCR: 10 Flights Diverted and IMD Issues 24-Hour Red Alert
