Supreme Court Rejects Plea to Clear Punjab Highway Blockades by Farmers

Supreme Court rejects plea to remove highway blockades in Punjab amid ongoing farmers’ protests

The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking the removal of blockades on highways in Punjab caused by ongoing farmers’ protests. A bench led by Justice Surya Kant heard the plea, which was filed by a social activist from Punjab.

The activist urged the Court to direct the government to ensure that highways and railway tracks remain open. Farmers under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been protesting at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13. Their march to Delhi was blocked by security forces using tear gas and other measures.

The farmers’ protests intensified as they attempted a Delhi Chalo march on December 6, which was later suspended due to police action. On December 8, their march resumed but was again halted by similar measures.

The plea highlighted that the blockades, including those at the Shambhu border, have severely disrupted traffic for over a year. It alleged that the blockades threaten national security since critical military movements to northern borders pass through Punjab.

The petitioner also raised concerns about public inconvenience. Residents of Punjab and neighboring states are reportedly struggling to reach hospitals in emergencies, with even ambulances being stopped on national and state highways. The plea emphasized that free movement on highways is a fundamental right, which the blockades violate.

Supreme Court refuses to hear a plea filed by residents of Sonipat, Haryana facing difficulties due to the Singhu border being blocked by farmers and asks them to approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court for relief pic.twitter.com/XvlDyvMkHE

— ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2021

The petition further claimed that foreign and anti-national forces are influencing the protests, targeting Punjab to destabilize the state. It noted Punjab’s critical role as the backbone of the country, with a history of facing external attacks.

The Supreme Court, however, refused to intervene, leaving the matter to the government and protesting farmers to resolve. As protests continue, citizens face ongoing disruptions, with no immediate resolution in sight.

The farmers’ demands include legislation for Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantees, debt relief, and land rights, which have been at the center of their struggle for months

Supreme Court rejects plea to clear Punjab highway blockades caused by ongoing farmers’ protest

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