The Supreme Court of India, on Monday, slammed the Centre on the way negotiations between the farmers and the government have progressed and gone on to the extent to state that it may order a stay on the contentious farm laws if the government does not itself. SC is expected to pass an order today or tomorrow on the farm laws.
The three-judge bench comprising of Chief Justice SA Bobde, Justice A S Bopanna, and Justice V Ramasubramanianexpressed its disappointment while hearing a bunch of petitions against the farm laws and the ongoing farmers’ protest near Delhi borders. Expressing its concern on the worsening situation, SC questioned the Centre as to why old people and women are part of the protests and some people have also committed suicide. The apex court suggested the Centre hold the implementation of the farm laws until a committee constituted by the court discusses the laws and submits its report. SC also suggested names of former Chief Justices of India to head panel for resolving the deadlock over farm laws and working out an amicable situation. SC also pointed out that not a single petition has been received which says that the farm’s laws are beneficial.
Arguing for the government before the Supreme Court, Attorney General K K Venugopal opposed the suggestion to hold the laws citing precedents where it was held that courts can stay a law only on grounds of constitutionality and legislative competency. The Attorney General said that a number of farmers have already entered into contracts under the new laws and staying the laws would be detrimental to them.
He further added that a court-appointed committee will yield no result until the farmers continue demanding the complete repeal of the laws. AG reiterated that the government is willing to consider suggestions for amending the laws but repealing the laws is out of the question. Centre demanded more time referring to the ongoing negotiations and questioned why the hurry is to pass orders, the SC snapped:
The farmers have been protesting against the three farm laws since September 2020 and despite multiple rounds of talks between the BJP-led NDA government and the Farmer Unions, no headway has yet been achieved. The president of Bharatiya Kisan Union Naresh Tikait, on Sunday, had charged the central government with maintaining a stubborn attitude despite long-drawn protests. The next meeting between the government and the farmer leaders is scheduled for 15th January.
