In proposing to form a committee of experts on farm laws, the court said it will pass orders on the issue of farmers’ protests and the implementation of new farm laws in some parts.
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) SA Bobde also made a personal request to the elders among the agitated farmers to return home.
SC proposes committee on farm laws
Assuring farmers that their concerns will not go unnoticed, the CV said it will do its duty. “Whether you have faith or not, we are the Supreme Court of India, we’ll do our job. ”
Farmers pitch tents at the protest site, Delhi.
On the main demand of the agitators farmers to repeal the farm laws, the court reiterated the need for a farm laws committee and said it will stop its implementation if the panel advises it.
The committee will include experts from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The court suggested the names of former CJI, including RM Lodha, to lead the panel to explore the possibility of a solution to the protests against the farm laws.
The center has not been able to solve the problem: SC
On Monday, the Supreme Court ran out of patience for Center, saying the court gave the government enough time to negotiate, but that it has stood firm on farm laws.
Aerial view of the protest site on the border of Singhu, Delhi. (Credits: ANI)
“We have given you enough long rope, Mr. Attorney General, please do not lecture us on patience,” the court said after AG KK Venugopal sought more time to resolve the confrontation.
“We regret to say that the Center has not been able to solve the problem and the agitation of the farmers,” the court said.
“We don’t know if you are part of the solution or part of the problem,” he added.
A farmer wears chains during the protests. (Credits: ANI)
Criticizing the Union government for its handling of farmers’ protests, the SC asked the Center: “What is happening? The states are rebelling against their laws.”
“There is not a single petition before us that says that these agricultural laws are beneficial to farmers. Our intention was to see a negotiated solution,” but there has been no response from the Center on the willingness to suspend the agricultural laws, the court said.
The SC said: “We are not experts in the economy; you tell us if the government is going to suspend the agricultural laws or we will.”
SC asks older farmers to return home
The Supreme Court on Monday expressed concern about farmers dying in the protests and asked about their welfare state amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Let me take a chance and say that the Chief Justice of India wants (the protesting farmers) to go back to their homes,” said CJI SA Bobde.
A view of the tractors parked at the farmers’ protest site, Delhi.
In the context of the coronavirus pandemic, the court also asked the Center whether it is providing agitated farmers.
“We don’t know if people are observing social distancing, but we are concerned that they (farmers) will get food and water.”
“The matter is getting worse, there are suicides. Are you taking care of your diet, health and other problems?” Asked the banker led by the CJI.
SC also raised questions about the presence of older people among farmers. “Why are protesting farmers keeping the elderly at the protest site?”
A worker sprays on the Singhu, Delhi border.
The SC said that peaceful protests can go wrong due to any misplaced incidents and everyone has a responsibility to make sure things don’t go wrong.
“We don’t want anyone’s blood on our hands,” said the CJI-run bank.
When the Center objected to SC’s intention to suspend the implementation of the agricultural laws, the CJI said, “You (center) have not been able to solve the problem. The center must take responsibility. Since your laws led to the strike, you must resolve it. Now the farmers will tell the Committee their views ”.
(With inputs from agencies)
.
