Government and Farmers to Confer: Punjab and Haryana HC Observes

In a bid to address the ongoing farmers' protests in Punjab and Haryana, representatives of the Central government and farmers' unions are set to meet, as disclosed to the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday. The Court directed the government to file status reports post the meeting, emphasizing the need for open communication.

Justice Acting Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Lapita Banerji presided odffver the matter, dealing with two petitions concerning the farmers' protests. The Court scheduled the next hearing for February 20.

The farmers' demands, including a law ensuring a minimum support price (MSP) for crops, prompted the 'Delhi Chalo' march, met with CrPC Section 144 orders in Haryana. Two petitions were filed on Monday: one by Uday Pratap Singh challenging the restrictions on farmers, and another by Advocate Arvind Seth seeking action against protesters.

The Central government assured the Court of its willingness to engage in dialogue, leading to the scheduled meeting on February 15 at 5 PM. The Punjab government conveyed that the situation was tense but under control, expressing no objection to peaceful protests.

The Haryana government submitted an affidavit citing potential disruptions caused by protests on national highways. It invoked Section 144 in 20 districts, expressing concerns about tractors entering Delhi. References to past protests and financial losses were made, underlining the need for preventive measures to maintain law and order.

The government proposed earmarking areas in Haryana and Punjab for peaceful protests to prevent disruptions in normal life. Concerns over violence spilling into protests were raised, emphasizing the delicate balance between the right to protest and maintaining public order.

The Court's direction for dialogue reflects its stance on fostering communication to resolve the impasse between the government and farmers. The meeting outcome and subsequent status reports will likely shape the Court's perspective on the ongoing situation.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News Writer, MIT ADT University