Supreme Court orders partial reopening of Shambhu Border

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has on Monday ordered the partial reopening of the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana, which has been closed for nearly six months.

During the hearing, the Court said that highways are not meant to serve as parking spaces. It directed that one lane of the highway be opened within a week to accommodate ambulances, senior citizens, women, students, and others needing urgent passage.

To implement this orders, the Court instructed the Director Generals of Police (DGPs) of Punjab and Haryana, along with the Superintendents of Police (SPs) from Patiala, Mohali, and Ambala, to meet and finalize a plan.

The Supreme Court set the next hearing for August 22 but said that if the police authorities reach a consensus before this date, the hearing may not be necessary.

Previously, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had ordered the reopening of the Shambhu border, prompting the Haryana government to appeal to the Supreme Court.

In addition, both the Punjab and Haryana governments have submitted the names of members for an impartial committee to engage with the protesting farmers. This committee is expected to act as a mediator between the farmers and the central government.

The Supreme Court expressed its satisfaction in convincing both state governments to propose committee members and urged them to now persuade the farmers to clear the highways.

The Court remarked that even a phased reopening of the highway for traffic would alleviate the significant inconvenience faced by the public. However, it acknowledged that negotiations with the farmers would take time.