As Delhi grapples with traffic jams caused by ongoing farmers’ protests, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud reassured lawyers that the Supreme Court would accommodate them if they encountered difficulties due to road congestion. The assurance came from a bench led by CJI Chandrachud during the morning session as it convened to hear proceedings.
The protests, led by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, aim to push for various demands, including the enactment of a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for agricultural produce and the implementation of recommendations made by the Swaminathan Commission.
In response to the anticipated disruptions caused by the protests, massive security arrangements were put in place along the borders of the national capital. The Delhi Police imposed Section 144 and restricted the entry of tractor trolleys and large assemblies to maintain law and order and to avoid jams.
Despite these measures, the situation remained tense as protesters attempted to enter Delhi causing traffic jams. The police resorted to using tear gas and detained numerous farmers, while heavily barricading border points to prevent the protesters from gaining access to the city.
The farmers from Haryana and Punjab participating in the protests expressed dissatisfaction with the central government, alleging that it had failed to address their key demands from previous protests. Their discontent stems from perceived shortcomings in addressing agricultural issues, particularly relating to the contentious farm laws.
It’s worth noting that in 2021, the Narendra Modi-led government repealed a set of farm laws in response to the initial wave of protests from farmers. However, the recent resurgence of demonstrations indicates that underlying grievances persist within the farming community.
In light of the disruptions caused by the protests, Adish Aggarwala, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), wrote a letter to CJI Chandrachud urging him to take suo motu action against the farmers for attempting to forcibly enter Delhi and disrupt daily life. Aggarwala also requested the CJI to issue directives to the courts to refrain from passing adverse orders due to lawyers’ absence resulting from traffic congestion.
The letter underscores the broader implications of the protests, highlighting the challenges faced by legal professionals in carrying out their duties amidst the ongoing turmoil. It also underscores the need for a coordinated response from judicial authorities to mitigate the impact of the protests on legal proceedings and ensure the smooth functioning of the justice system.
In response to Aggarwala’s concerns, CJI Chandrachud emphasized the court’s commitment to accommodating lawyers facing difficulties due to the protests. This gesture reflects the judiciary’s recognition of the challenges posed by the current situation and its determination to uphold the rule of law despite external disruptions.
The farmers’ protests underscore the complex dynamics of agrarian politics in India and the longstanding grievances of farmers regarding issues such as agricultural pricing, land acquisition, and rural livelihoods. While the government’s decision to repeal the farm laws represented a significant concession, it has not fully addressed the underlying concerns of the farming community, as evidenced by the resumption of protests.
Moving forward, it will be essential for all stakeholders, including the government, farmers’ organizations, and judicial authorities, to engage in constructive dialogue to address the root causes of agrarian distress and work towards sustainable solutions that promote the welfare of farmers and ensure the stability of the agricultural sector.
The ongoing farmers’ protests in Delhi highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to address the systemic challenges facing India’s agricultural sector. By acknowledging the concerns of all stakeholders and fostering dialogue and cooperation, it may be possible to achieve a lasting resolution that promotes the interests of farmers while upholding the principles of democracy and justice.
