Farmers' agitation: SC will pass order on protests, farm laws tomorrow
The top court has suggested that after the implementation of the farm laws was stayed, the protest could continue
The Supreme Court has said that it will pass orders on petitions challenging the constitutional validity of farm laws on Tuesday.
The top court has suggested that after the implementation of the farm laws was stayed, the protest could continue.
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The top court earlier today indicated that it may stay the implementation of the contentious three new farm laws to let an expert committee study the grievances against it.
"Tell us whether you will put the laws on hold or else we will do it. What's the prestige issue here," the SC said, adding that it was disappointed by the Centre's handling of the crisis.
Demanding to know the conditions of the farmers who have been protesting against the farm laws for more than a month and amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Chief Justice of India SA Bobde said, "We don't know what negotiations are going on? We want to set up the expert committee."
The SC also said that the farmers' protest is getting worse and worse. "People are committing suicide, sitting in this cold...Who is taking care of food and water? Is there any social distancing? We don't know why these farmers are keeping old people and women on the ground? Why should old people be out in the cold? Each one of us will be responsible if something goes wrong. We don't want anybody's blood on our hands," it added.
"Each one of us will be responsible if anything goes wrong. We don't want any injuries or blood on our hands," CJI Bobde stated.
The Supreme Court hearing will resume tomorrow.
The apex court's comment came while hearing petitions challenging the farm laws and the farmer agitation at the Delhi borders.
Meanwhile, on SC's decision, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said that the matter of farm laws is before the top court. "The next round of talks with the farmers is scheduled for Jan 15, I hope we will find a solution," Tomar said.
The eighth round of talks between the govt and the farmer unions on 7 January appeared heading nowhere as the Centre ruled out repealing the farm laws while the farmer leaders said they are ready to fight till death and their 'ghar waapsi' will happen only after 'law waapsi'.
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