“Will it serve anyones cause?”: Supreme Court rejects plea against farmers protests

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The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a plea against the ongoing farmers protests at Shambhu and the Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana.

The plea sought removal of blockades by farmers and issuance of guidelines so that it is not repeated.

The bench led by Justice Surya Kant pointed out that the issue was already pending before the Punjab and Haryana High Court and that hearing it before the apex court would serve no purpose.

The Court also said that parallel proceedings could not go on in two courts.

"Directions have already been passed by the High Court. Why do you want us to start parallel proceedings? We understand why people prefer to file a PIL before the Supreme Court, and we appreciate that,’ Justice Surya Kant said.

Justice Kant said, "Whatever hard work the High Court has done, whatever stage they have reached, that will go away. They will raise their hands as the Supreme Court is hearing. Will it serve anyone’s cause? You can always approach the High Court and assist the court."

The bench allowed the petitioner to withdraw the plea & approach the High Court instead.

Amid the ongoing farmers' protest in Punjab, another plea has been moved in the Supreme Court for a direction to the central government to consider farmers' reasonable demands, and free movements of public and transportation vehicles across border of the city of Delhi.

Agnostos Theos, Managing Director of the Sikh Chamber of Commerce, filed a petition under Article 32 of the Constitution for a direction to the relevant authorities to ensure fair and respectful treatment to the farmers, and not cause hindrance in their peaceful march and gathering in the national capital on "Dilli Chalo" call on February 13, 2024.