SC Rebukes Centre for Failing to Address Farmers’ Grievances, Questions Lack of Dialogue

Khanauri Border, Punjab-Haryana Border: In a strong rebuke to the Centre, the Supreme Court has criticized the government for not engaging with protesting farmers and addressing their ongoing grievances. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan called for a clear statement from the government to show willingness to discuss the farmers' demands. The Court questioned why the Central government was unable to make a commitment to consider the farmers' concerns, emphasizing the importance of an open dialogue.

The Supreme Court further directed the Centre to respond to a fresh plea by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, which calls for the legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops—an issue that was part of the agreement in 2021 after the farm laws were repealed. Despite multiple committees being set up, the plea asks the Centre to uphold its commitment made to farmers to avoid any future confrontations.

The bench also underscored its confidence in the high-powered committee headed by a retired judge, tasked with addressing such agricultural issues. The committee is expected to hold talks with protesting farmers on January 3. The Court issued a notice to both the Centre and the committee, asking for their responses within 10 days.

Amid ongoing protests at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana, Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on an indefinite hunger strike since November 26. The farmers, who continue their stand for a legal guarantee on MSP, have remained firm in their demand for the Centre to fulfill its promises.