Farmers' Protest Escalates: Supreme Court to Hear PIL on Road Blockades at Borders, Deails Inside

New Delhi: The farmers' protest has emerged as a critical issue across the nation, with demonstrators from Punjab and Haryana taking to the streets to press for their demands. Large groups of farmers have gathered at various borders of the national capital, including the Shambhu border, leading to severe traffic disruptions. In light of these developments, the Supreme Court is set to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) today addressing the impact of these protests.

The road blockades caused by the farmers’ agitation have created challenges for commuters, prompting the filing of a PIL in the apex court on Saturday. The petition highlights the illegal encroachment of highways in Punjab by farmers and farmer unions and seeks directions for lifting these blockades.

The PIL urges the states of Punjab and Haryana, along with the Union government, to ensure that national highways and railway tracks remain unobstructed by the ongoing protests. A bench comprising Justice Suryakant and Justice Manmohan will hear the matter, with specific focus on the reopening of the Shambhu border.

Clashes at Shambhu Border

The Shambhu border has been a flashpoint in the protest. On Sunday, an attempt by 101 farmers from Punjab to march on foot toward Delhi was thwarted by security forces. Initially, the security personnel stationed at the Haryana border welcomed the farmers, offering tea and biscuits as a goodwill gesture. However, the situation escalated when the farmers refused to turn back. Police resorted to firing tear gas shells, resulting in injuries to four protesters.

Following the clash, the farmers announced a temporary suspension of their march to Delhi, opting to regroup and strategize further.

Court Intervention: A Turning Point?

With the Supreme Court set to deliberate on the PIL, the focus shifts to finding a legal resolution to the ongoing crisis. The case underscores the tension between the farmers' right to protest and the inconvenience caused to the general public due to road closures.

The outcome of the hearing could have far-reaching implications for the farmers' movement and the governance of public protests in India.