The Supreme Court on Monday in its order refused to entertain a PIL seeking directions to the Centre and other governments to remove restrictions on farmers’ protests, and also ensure that all the National Highways and railway tracks are not blocked by the agitating farmers.
A two-judge bench of the apex court, led by Justice Surya Kant and Justice Manmohan, while refusing to entertain the plea of social activist Gaurav Luthra, noted that already one PIL was pending on the same issue before it.
"The same matter is already pending before the court and it cannot entertain repetitive petitions on the same issue," Justice Kant said.
During the hearing on Monday, the apex court said, this court has already taken some initiatives. Despite that, you file this petition. "The impression is someone is here to play for the gallery, for publicity litigation," the top court added.
The petitioner, Luthra's lawyer, said that all constructive steps have been taken by your Lordships to deal with the grievances of farmers. But my only prayer is regarding the plight of commuters also.
To this, the apex court said, we were aware of everything. "It's not that he (petitioner) alone is the conscious keeper of society and rest are not aware. Don't file repeated petitions. If you want to assist in pending PIL, you are most welcome" Justice Kant said and granted him liberty to counsel for the petitioner to assist the court on the date fixed (in the pending PIL).
The protesting farmers had planned to enter Delhi on December 6, 2024, but suspended their march after police fired tear gas to disperse the gathering.
The ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest march resumed on Sunday but was halted again due to similar police action.
The PIL filed by Luthra in the apex court, sought direction to open at least the barricades at Shambu Border within a week so as to relieve the general public of inconvenience.
"The States should, however, take effective steps to maintain the law and order situation against the protestors if they exceed the limit set down by the State. All the Kisan Unions should be directed to maintain the law and order. The state of Punjab shall ensure that the demonstrators gathered in their territories are duly controlled," stated the plea.
The plea further alleged that the blockage of highways posed a threat to national security, emphasizing that the entire Army movement toward the northern borders of the country passes through Punjab.
"Since October 26, the alleged farmers and farmer unions have blocked the entire National & State Highways of Punjab permanently and for an indefinite period. Thus, putting the entire state standstill. Punjab is border State with a venerable history shared with its neighbouring country Pakistan," said Luthra's petition.
Luthra also claimed that he is an RTI as well as a social activist and is regularly taking up issues related to the betterment of the general public at large.
Highlighting that the people of Punjab and neighbouring states are facing great difficulty as they are unable to reach hospitals on time in case of a medical emergency, he added that even ambulances are being stopped from running on National and State Highways in the entire State.
"Supply of essential goods such as petrol, diesel, LPG gas, milk, vegetables, medicines etc. are being stopped by these alleged encroachers at entire stretch of National & State Highways of Punjab," the plea further stated.