SC urges Punjab, Haryana to work towards partial reopening of Shambhu border

The Supreme Court asks the Punjab and Haryana State police chiefs on the inter-State boundary to chalk out a plan for the partial reopening of roads on the Shambhu border

Updated - August 12, 2024 10:08 pm IST - New Delhi

Tractors lined up at the Shambhu Barrier in Punjab. File

Tractors lined up at the Shambhu Barrier in Punjab. File | Photo Credit: The Hindu

The Supreme Court on Monday (August 12, 2024) urged neighbouring Punjab and Haryana to work together towards a phased opening of the long-blockaded Shambhu border between the two states.

A Bench led by Justice Surya Kant orally approved the two states’s suggestions of names to fill a ‘neutral’ panel to open negotiations with the agitating farmers camped on the inter-state boundary since February 13.

The court agreed to pass a formal judicial order detailing the terms of reference of the panel.

‘Not parking space’

The Bench noted that “highways are not parking spaces” for tractors and heavy-duty bulldozers. The court said it was essential to at least partially open the main highway lanes to facilitate the movement of medical emergency vehicles, students travelling to and fro their schools, and local commuters. Their right to free movement had to be protected.

The court asked the Punjab and Haryana State police chiefs to meet the senior police officers of the districts concerned on the inter-State boundary to chalk out a plan for the partial reopening of roads on the Shambhu border.

The Bench was hearing an appeal filed by the Haryana government against a recent Punjab and Haryana High Court order directing it to remove the barricades within a week.

In February, groups of farmers responded to a call given by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political) and began a march to the national capital to press for the fulfilment of their demands, which include a legal guarantee for purchasing crops at the minimum support price (MSP) and a farm loan waiver.

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