Supreme Court: Farmers can protest peacefully but must not block highways

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday urged farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, currently on a fast unto death at the Khanauri border, to ensure protesting farmers avoid blocking highways to prevent inconvenience to the public. The court emphasized the importance of peaceful demonstrations within the bounds of the law.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan dismissed a habeas corpus petition filed by Dallewal, stating that the farmer leader had already been released from detention. The petition, filed on November 29, challenged Dallewal’s alleged illegal detention by Punjab Police after he was removed from the Khanauri protest site on November 26 and taken to a Ludhiana hospital.

The court said that the farmers’ demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), as a matter under judicial consideration. “In a democratic setup, peaceful protests are permissible, but they should not inconvenience the public,” the bench stated.

Justice Kant said that the Khanauri border’s critical role as a lifeline for Punjab, cautioning against prolonged disruptions. He suggested Dallewal persuade fellow protestors to adopt lawful means of demonstration.

The court observed that Dallewal’s recent efforts, including convincing a fellow protester to end their fast unto death. While Dallewal’s current plea was not entertained, the bench clarified that he could approach the court later if needed.

The protest at Khanauri, situated on the Punjab-Haryana border, has drawn attention to the farmers’ ongoing grievances, but the court reiterated the importance of balancing their rights with public convenience.