On Monday, the Supreme Court decided not to take action on a request that asked the government to clear roads in Punjab where farmers are protesting. The case was discussed by a group led by Justice Surya Kant.
A social activist from Punjab had filed the request. The activist wanted to know if the government could stop the farmers from blocking the roads and railway tracks during their protests. Groups of farmers, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders of Punjab and Haryana since February 13. Their protest began when police stopped them from marching into Delhi.
The farmers first planned to enter Delhi on December 6, but after police used tear gas to break up their efforts, they decided to pause their march. However, they resumed their protest on December 8 but faced more police action.
The farmers have reportedly blocked the Shambhu highway for over a year, and recently, they have also blocked several other highways across Punjab. This news was shared by the news agency PTI.
The plea claimed that these blockades were a security risk because a lot of army movements go through Punjab, especially towards the northern borders. It also mentioned that local residents from Punjab and nearby states are struggling to reach hospitals quickly in emergencies, as even ambulances can’t get through blocked roads.
The activist’s plea argued that everyone has the right to move freely on highways, and that right is being taken away because of the farmers blocking them. The plea stated that outside forces might be trying to use the farmers to cause trouble in Punjab, a state that plays a crucial role in the country and has faced many challenges from neighboring nations.
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