On Monday, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking the immediate removal of blockades caused by farmers protesting at Punjab-Haryana border points. The farmers, under the banners of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been stationed at Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February. Their march to Delhi was previously thwarted by security forces.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Manmohan sternly addressed the petitioner, a Punjab-based social activist, stating, “Why are you filing repetitive petitions? We have taken some initiatives already… Don’t think we are the only ones who are concerned with issues; there are other people also. We will not tag the petition; we are already on a larger public interest issue. This case is not about multiple petitions.”
The court emphasized, “We cannot entertain repetitive petitions on the same issue.”
Public Inconvenience Highlighted in the Plea
The petitioner argued that blockades on national and state highways caused significant inconvenience to residents of Punjab and neighboring states. According to the plea, even ambulances were unable to navigate these routes during medical emergencies. It called for the removal of restrictions on farmers’ protests and the unblocking of highways and railway tracks to ensure smooth public movement.
However, the bench declined the plea, maintaining that the matter had already been addressed in larger public interest initiatives.
Security Tightened Amid Renewed Protests
The farmers’ movement has seen escalated tensions in recent weeks. On Sunday, 101 farmers from the Shambhu protest site suspended their march toward Delhi after clashes with security forces left nine protestors injured.
The farmers have called for an internal meeting to discuss their next steps. In response, security has been heightened at the Punjab-Haryana border. Barricades and prohibitory orders under Section 163 (formerly Section 144) have been enforced to prevent gatherings of more than five people.
Additionally, four-layered security arrangements, supported by 13 contingents, have sealed key entry points, including the Khanauri border.
Tear Gas and Injuries Mark December 6 Clashes
In a renewed attempt to march toward the national capital on December 6, farmers faced stiff resistance from law enforcement. Security forces used tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, resulting in injuries to several protestors. Following the clash, the farmers temporarily suspended their march but vowed to continue their movement.
The Larger Implications
The ongoing farmers’ protest highlights the persistent tensions between the government and agricultural unions. While the Supreme Court’s stance is clear on avoiding repetitive litigation, the plight of affected commuters and the farmers’ grievances remain at the forefront.
What’s next for the farmers’ movement? Will a resolution be reached, or will tensions continue to simmer?
