Anushka Mansharamani
On 11th January, the Supreme Court of India indicated that an intervention of the court would take place and the three farm laws would be put on hold if the government fails to resolve the dispute between the protestors and the government.
While hearing several pleas against the laws and the farmers’ protest the Chief Justice Sharad A. Bobde stated, “We don’t want to make any stray observations against you… But we are disappointed in the way you’re handling this situation.”
He explicitly expressed his feeling of disappointment in the way the government was taking the matter up.
The bench comprising CJI SA Bobde, Justice V. Ramasubramanian, and Justice AS Bopanna observed that both the government and the farmers are adamant as the government wants to discuss clause by clause whereas the farmers want the laws to be repealed.
The bench further stated that they would appoint a committee to look into this matter and put a stay on the implementation of the laws if this continues.
Chief Justice Sharad A. Bobde emphasized on the fact that if the government does not stay the implementation of the order the court would do so.
The bench stated, “We don’t know whether you are part of the solution or the problem. There is not a single petition filed here which says the laws are beneficial.” The Bench also made it clear that it would not look into the constitutionality of the farm laws. “Our intention is to bring about an amicable solution (to the strike).”
The bench asked for an assurance from the farmers for the discontinuation of the protests and to have faith in the Apex Court and the justice system.
Senior advocate Dushyant Dave, representing the farmers informed the Apex Court that the tractor rally by farmers on Republic Day will not take place.
However, the bench is highly disappointed with the way the government has handled the situation.