India Tomorrow
NEW DELHI—The Supreme Court on Monday said that it was in favour of staying the three farm laws till the deadlock between the Centre and the farmers is resolved.
The apex court also suggested to form a committee for negotiating with the protesting farmers.
“Tell us whether you will put the laws on hold or else we will do it. What’s the prestige issue here,” NDTV quoted the top court having remarked.
The court’s sharp remarks came during a hearing on petitions challenging the farm laws and the farmer agitation at the Delhi borders.
“Each one of us we will responsible if anything goes wrong. We don’t want any injuries or blood on our hands,” Chief Justice of India SA Bobde said in a series of stern comments to the government.
As the Centre asked for more time, referring to ongoing negotiations, Justice Bobde said: “We don’t see you are dealing with this issue effectively. We are taking a decision today. Who is going to be responsible for bloodshed if any?”
When Attorney General KK Venugopal questioned the “hurry to pass orders”, the top judge snapped: “Don’t lecture us on patience. We have given a long rope.”
The top court suggested that after the implementation of the laws was stayed, the protest could continue. “But decide whether you want to carry on the protest on the same site or move to other,” it said.
In the previous hearing, the Supreme Court had noted that there was no improvement on the ground, and it was told by the Centre that “healthy discussions” were going on between the government and the unions over all outstanding issues.
“We have asked in the last hearing but no answer. The situation has gone worse. People have committed suicide. Why are the old and the women part of the agitation in this weather?” the Chief Justice questioned the government.
The apex court also suggested the names of senior advocates Prashant Bhushan, H S Phoolka, Dushyant Dave and Colin Gonsalves who could be included in the committee to hold talks with the protesting farmers.
