The farmers’ protests in Punjab and Haryana have been permitted by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday. The court emphasized that as citizens of India, the farmers have the right to move. Two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) regarding the protests reaching Delhi from Punjab and Haryana were heard by the court. It also highlighted the responsibility of state governments to ensure the safety and convenience of citizens and to take measures to prevent any inconvenience caused to them.
The bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Lapita Banerji, addressed a PIL challenging the Haryana government’s decision to seal its borders and another PIL filed against the protesters for illegally blocking state and national highways. The petitioner argued that the government’s road blockage violated the farmers’ right to assemble peacefully, citing Supreme Court judgments on the matter.
Another petitioner suggested that the states of Punjab and Haryana and the central government should collaborate to prevent road blockages. In response, the Additional Solicitor General representing the Centre stated that meetings were held with Kissan Unions to resolve the issue.
The Haryana State Counsel mentioned that during previous protests, cases of dacoity and rape occurred, and the number of tractor trolleys involved was around 1000. The court was informed that an advisory had been issued by Delhi to maintain law and order, but the Union Counsel claimed to be unaware of it.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court issued a notice to the states, requesting status reports from Punjab, Haryana, and the Union. The court expressed its preference for resolving the dispute through dialogue between the parties involved. The next hearing is scheduled for February 15.
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