New Delhi, October 1: The farmers protesting against farm laws received a rap on the knuckles on Friday from the Supreme Court which questioned the rationale behind blocking of roads even after approaching the judiciary and reminded them that citizens have equal rights to move freely without fear.
”You have strangulated the entire city, now you want to come inside the city and start protesting again here … The residents around … are they happy with the protest? This business should stop. You are obstructing security and defence personnel. This was in the media. All this should stop … There has to be a balanced approach,” a Bench led by Justice AM Khanwilkar told the counsel for ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’.
“There is no point in protest once you come to the court challenging the laws”, the Bench told the farmers’ body during hearing on its petition seeking directions to the Centre, Delhi Lt. Governor and Delhi Police Commissioner to allow it to stage ‘satyagraha’ at Jantar Mantar in the National Capital.
“Are you protesting against the judicial system? Once you have approached the judicial system, have faith in the court. You pursue that matter for urgent hearing instead of protesting again,” the Bench told the counsel for Kisan Mahapanchayat who said the farmers’ body did have faith in the court.
After the petitioner’s counsel denied that farmers blocked highways, the Bench asked him to declare it on an affidavit and posted it for hearing on Monday.
