The Supreme Court of India, on Monday, dismissed a plea that sought the removal of blockades on national and state highways in Punjab, where farmers have been protesting. The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Manmohan, declined to issue directions to the Centre and state authorities to intervene in the matter, citing the existence of a pending case on the same issue.
The plea, filed by Gaurav Luthra, who identifies as a social activist from Punjab, requested the apex court to consolidate it with a related ongoing case. However, the court rejected this request and emphasized the need to avoid repetitive litigations. “We are already examining the larger issue. You are not the only conscience keeper of society. Don’t file repetitive petitions. Some are filing for publicity interest and some are filing to play to the gallery. We cannot entertain repetitive petitions on the same issue,” stated the bench during the hearing.
Farmers, united under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been staging sit-ins at key border points like Shambhu and Khanauri between Punjab and Haryana. Their protests began on February 13, following a halt by security forces to their march towards Delhi.
The blockades, according to Luthra’s plea, have indefinitely closed off major transportation routes in the state, including national highways and railway tracks, causing significant disruption. The plea explicitly called for judicial intervention to ensure that these vital passages remain unobstructed by the ongoing agitations.
