SC bats for panel as govt-farmers talks 'not working'; notice to Centre, states on pleas for removing protesting farmers

A Bench granted permission to implead farmer organisations, the matter will be heard in SC tomorrow

The Supreme Court on Wednesday said a committee with representatives from farmers unions can be formed to resolve the issue of road blockade at Delhi in view of protests against three farm laws, as "negotiations held by the government did not work apparently".

A bench presided over by Chief Justice S A Bobde proposed a panel, consisting of representatives of farmers unions across the country, government and other stakeholders to resolve the issue. The agitation by farmers from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh at Delhi borders entered the 21st day as several rounds of talks with the Union Agriculture Ministers and others remained unsuccessful.

The court told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that it intended to set up the committee, as the issue will soon become national issue and the government seemingly may not be able to work out the solutions.

"Your negotiation does not work apparently. You should be willing to negotiate and we should have a farmer before us who is also willing to negotiate give us the name of the Union," the bench asked Mehta.

As Mehta agreed to give the names, the bench, also comprising Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian, posted a PIL by a law student, Rishabh Sharma for ending the agitation, along with other pleas by advocates Reepak Kansal and G S Mani for consideration on Thursday.

Mehta submitted that the government would not do anything against the interest of farmers. He said the farmers were protesting and the Delhi police have blocked the roads.

He suggested that the farmers can sit with the government and then there can be a discussion or debate with an open mind on each clause of the three contentious farm laws.

The court issued a notice to the Centre on the PIL seeking removal of farmers from blocking the roads at Delhi borders and other pleas for providing the farmers with facilities and address the issues raised by them.

The petitioner referred to the apex court's judgement of October 7 in the Amit Sahni case (Shaheen Bagh) where it was held public roads and spaces can't be occupied in an indefinite manner for protests, causing inconvenience to the people, as such demonstrations must be organised at designated places only.

The court also issued notice to Bhartiya Kisan Union's different factions as well as other organisations including Jamhoori Kisan Sabha, and Kul Hind Kisan Federation.