The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday temporarily overturned the Punjab & Haryana High Court's order to open the Shambhu Border within a week. SC was hearing a petition filed by the Haryana government against the July 10 order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court directing the state government to open the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border within a week. Apart from the status quo at the Shambhu border, the Supreme Court also proposed setting up a 'neutral' panel to look into the various demands of farmers, including a legal guarantee of MSP for crops. For the unversed, the Shambhu border near Ambala is closed where farmers have been camping since February 13. Below is what the Supreme Court said on farmers' protest & Shambhu border-
The court asked the Punjab and Haryana governments to take steps to remove the barricades on the Shambhu border in a phased manner so that the public does not face any inconvenience. The Supreme Court said that it proposes to constitute an impartial committee that will consist of eminent persons who will be able to contact the farmers and other stakeholders and find a practical solution to their demands that is fair, just, and in the interest of all.
The Supreme Court asked the Punjab and Haryana governments to suggest some names of members in the independent committee or it can look for some suitable persons for the committee. The Supreme Court asked both the states to suggest names within a week.
What if farmers go to Delhi sans tractors?
During the hearing, the Supreme Court asked the Haryana government that if the farmers go to Delhi without tractors, what would be the government's action? At the same time, the court asked whether they had tried to talk to the farmers. The court asked that the farmers think that the ministers will talk about the government. In such a situation, was there an attempt to talk through a common person? How long will you keep the national highway closed?
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared on behalf of the Haryana government. He said in the court that the government will put the suggestion of the independent committee before the government. The Punjab government has said that there is economic loss due to the border seal. At present, this border is not opening.
The lawyer representing Haryana said that talks are being held regarding the demands of the farmers. At the same time, he said that the kind of vehicles on the border are quite shocking. There are some vehicles there which have been converted into tankers. There are cranes there. Efforts are being made to persuade the farmers. In such a situation, the court said that you are the government and you should meet the farmers and try to find a solution to the problem.