The Shambhu border of Delhi has been closed due to the ongoing farmers’ agitation, leading to traffic disruptions. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Supreme Court regarding this issue on Saturday. However, during the hearing today (Monday), the Supreme Court dismissed the petition, stating that it would not consider it since there are already pending petitions related to the matter. The court said that hearing this petition could send a misleading message.
A demand was made to the bench of Justice Suryakant and Justice Manmohan of the Supreme Court to direct the removal of farmers from the highway. The petition, filed by a Punjab-based social activist, also urged the Center to remove restrictions on farmers’ protests and ensure that highways and railway tracks remain unobstructed. The petition alleged that farmers and their unions have caused permanent blockages across the state, disrupting key infrastructure.
The PIL said the farmers and their farmer unions have blocked the national highway at the entry point of Punjab i.e. Shambu for over one year and recently have blocked national and state highways in the entire state of Punjab at various locations.
It argued that these blockages pose a national security risk, as the Army’s movements toward northern borders pass through Punjab. The petition further claimed that medical emergencies are being hindered, as ambulances are unable to access highways.
Rejecting the petition, Justice Suryakant said that it seems that this case has been filed for publicity. On this, the counsel for the petitioner said that the Supreme Court has taken all constructive steps to deal with the grievances of the farmers, my petition is about the troubles being faced by the commuters.
