These blockages have been ongoing at various points, including Shambhu and Khanauri's borders between Punjab and Haryana since February 13.
Supreme Court Rejects Petition To Clear Highway Blockages
The Supreme Court of India dismissed a petition that sought immediate directions to clear the blockades of national and state highways in Punjab, where farmers are protesting on Monday. Gaurav Luthra, a social activist from Punjab filed the petition, urging the Supreme Court to order the government to remove these blockages. These blockages have been ongoing at various points, including Shambhu and Khanauri’s borders between Punjab and Haryana since February 13. The blockage occurred as security forces stopped farmers during their march to Delhi.
The Court criticized the petition as repetitive, telling Gaurav Luthra, “We are already examining the larger issue. You are not the only conscience keeper of society. Don’t file repetitive petitions. Some are filing for publicity interest, and some are filing to play to the gallery. We cannot entertain repetitive petitions on the same issue.”
The bench rejected Gaurav Luthra’s request to link this petition with the ongoing case or tag the petition with the pending matter.
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The protesting farmers, associated with the non-political organizations – Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been camping at key border points. The farmers have been demanding better policies and protections. The petition claimed that the protests had led to a permanent blockade of major highways in Punjab.
For this reason, it has led to a disruption of daily life and threatening national security. Allegedly, the blockages were part of a larger conspiracy by external and anti-national forces aimed at destabilizing the state of Punjab.
The petition further argued that blockades were a nuisance and a severe threat to national security. These blockades have impacted the movement of the Army, which uses highways in Punjab to reach the northern borders. It also highlighted the difficulties faced by residents, particularly in medical emergencies, as ambulances could not pass through the blocked roads.
Additionally, the petition emphasized that free movement on highways is a fundamental right of citizens. However, it claimed that the ongoing protests violated this right. Despite the concerns raised, the Supreme Court maintained its stance of not intervening in this petition, directing attention to its ongoing examination of related issues.
