The Punjab Government On Friday informed the Supreme Court that it had successfully cleared the protesting farmers from the Shambhu and Khanauri borders near Haryana.
As a result, the National Highway is now open for unrestricted traffic movement.
Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh also reported that farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal ended his hunger strike, which had been ongoing since November last year. Dallewal accepted water and broke his fast today.
A contempt petition was filed against Punjab authorities, alleging that the clearance of protesters violated a previous Supreme Court status quo order. However, the Court dismissed the petition, stating that it had been urging the government to open the highway. The petitioner later withdrew the case.
Contempt Proceedings
The court also dropped contempt proceedings against Punjab’s Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP). These proceedings were initiated earlier due to the officials’ failure to hospitalize Dallewal while he was on hunger strike.
Moreover, the court directed the High-Powered Committee, set up to mediate between farmers and the government, to file a supplementary report. The case was earlier adjourned as discussions between farmers and the Union Government were ongoing.
Background Of The Protests
Farmers began their protest in February last year, demanding statutory protection for Minimum Support Price (MSP). The Haryana Government had blocked the NH borders to prevent farmers from marching to Delhi, leading to a prolonged protest at the borders.
In January, a breakthrough was achieved when farmers agreed to meet Justice (Retired) Nawab Singh, the Chairperson of the High-Powered Committee.
Later, after discussions with the Union Government, Dallewal agreed to medical intervention following his deteriorating health.
The situation at the borders has now eased, and traffic movement has resumed.
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