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The Supreme Court of India has taken a significant step towards resolving the ongoing farmer protests at the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana. In response to a petition filed by the State of Haryana challenging a Punjab & Haryana High Court order that directed the removal of the blockade at Shambhu, the Supreme Court has constituted a high-powered committee to engage in negotiations with the protesting farmers. This committee, tasked with addressing the farmers' concerns regarding the Minimum Support Price (MSP), is composed of prominent legal and agricultural experts, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the Court's commitment to finding a peaceful resolution.
The Supreme Court's decision to form this committee is rooted in its recognition of the deeply entrenched agricultural communities in Punjab and Haryana, many of whom belong to marginalized groups and live below the poverty line. The court acknowledged the need for a neutral platform to address their grievances and ensure that their voices are heard. This committee, comprising Justice Nawab Singh (former judge of the Punjab & Haryana High Court), PS Sandhu (retired IPS officer and former DG of Haryana), Devender Sharma (Professor of Eminence at GNCT Amritsar), Dr Sukhpal Singh (Agricultural Economist from Punjab Agriculture University), and Professor BR Kambhoj (Vice Chancellor of Chaudhary Charan Singh Agriculture University, Hisar) as a special invitee, brings together a diverse range of expertise and experience to navigate the complexities of the situation.
The Supreme Court's directive to the committee goes beyond mere dialogue. The committee is tasked with requesting the protesting farmers to relocate their demonstration from the Shambhu border to an alternative site identified by the authorities. This request is aimed at mitigating the disruption to public life caused by the blockade. The Court also emphasized the need for the committee to formulate the core issues raised by the farmers, underscoring the importance of addressing the root causes of the protests. The committee is mandated to convene meetings with representatives from Punjab and Haryana to gather their perspectives and ensure that a comprehensive understanding of the issues is developed.