Chaini Parwani –
Published On: October 21, 2021 at 15:00 IST
The Supreme Court on Thursday, October 21, sternly stated that public roads cannot be blocked even as the Farmers’ side and Government engaged in an oral criticism.
Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave and Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the farmers’ side, criticized the State for purposely blocking the roads in order to turn public opinions against them.
Further, the Advocates representing the farmers stated that the protesters should be permitted to enter Ram Lila Maidan and Jantar Mantar to continue their claim against the Agricultural Laws.
Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta representing the State of Haryana highlighted the Red Fort Violence in January and contradicted the Prayer.
A Bench of Justice S.K. Kaul addressed that “There is a problem with movement, we are not going to accept there is no problem.”
Further, the Bench stated that a clarification is needed to be developed for the nearly two-year dilemma between the farmers and the Government.
Furthermore, Justice Kaul observed that the law is passed and that there is no reason for the Supreme Court to lay down the law repeatedly, hence roads cannot be blocked.
Advocate Dave highlighted that the right to protest is a Fundamental Right and that the key is to permit them to protest at Jantar Mantar.
Further the Solicitor–General indicated that “Sometimes it is felt the farmers’ agitation is not for the cause but for something else…”
Mr Dave oppressively replied that the farmers felt the same way about the Government’s Agricultural Laws and that they will not hold on to making allegations against the Government if the same is done by the Government.
Till now only four out of 43 farmers’ bodies and leaders have acknowledged the top court’s notice on a Petition by a Noida resident to remove the blockades.
The Court delivered a Notification on new petitions filed by other private citizens seeking the removal of the blockades.
The Bench has listed the matter for December 7.
Also Read: ‘Chalo Delhi’: Farmers try to renew Protest ahead of Supreme Court Hearing
Farmers have the Right to Protest but cannot obstruct public movement, says SC