On Monday, the Supreme Court directed the police chiefs of Punjab and Haryana to convene a meeting with the Superintendents of Police from the adjoining Patiala and Ambala districts within one week to discuss the partial reopening of the Shambhu border highway. The highway has been blocked by protesting farmers since February 13.
SC Calls for Meeting to Address Shambhu Border Blockade
The court emphasized the need for the partial reopening of the road to facilitate the movement of ambulances, essential services, senior citizens, women, girl students, and local commuters. The bench, consisting of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, instructed the Punjab government to persuade the protesting farmers to clear tractors and other obstructions from the highway, asserting that highways should not be used as parking spaces.
Additionally, the bench praised both Punjab and Haryana governments for suggesting apolitical figures for the formation of a committee to engage with the protesting farmers. This committee is expected to address issues raised by the farmers, including their demand for a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of their produce.
The Supreme Court had previously ordered the removal of barricades set up by the Haryana government on the Ambala-New Delhi national highway. These barricades were installed in February following announcements from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha about a farmers’ march to Delhi in support of their demands.
The court plans to issue a brief order outlining the terms for the panel’s engagement with the protesting farmers at the Shambhu border.