In a key decision on Monday, the Supreme Court dismissed a plea regarding the ongoing farmers’ movement at the Shambhu border, citing that the matter is already under judicial consideration. The plea sought directions to the Central, Punjab, and Haryana governments to reopen the blocked highway at the Shambhu border, arguing that the blockade infringes upon citizens’ fundamental rights and violates provisions under the National Highway Act.
The petitioner urged the court to take legal action against those obstructing the highway and issue clear directives to authorities to remove the protesting farmers from the route. However, the Supreme Court declined to entertain the new petition, reiterating its stance that similar issues are already being addressed in ongoing hearings.
This development follows last week’s heated clashes at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border, where police used tear gas to disperse farmers participating in the ‘Dilli Chalo’ march. Verbal altercations escalated between the two sides, with drone footage showing barricades and blockades set up by police to prevent the farmers from advancing.
Haryana Police officials stated that the group of farmers at the border did not align with the pre-identified list of 101 farmers permitted to march. “We have a list of the names of 101 farmers, but this group does not match. They are refusing to be identified and are advancing in a mob-like manner,” said a police official at the scene.
The farmers’ protests continue to raise significant legal and public order questions as the nation watches the unfolding developments. The Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss the fresh plea underscores the complexities of balancing public rights and the right to protest.