End the deadlock: On the prolonged standoff over three agricultural laws

The time has come for more concerted efforts by the government and the protesting farmers to find a solution to the long standing problem. Deadlock over three agricultural laws enacted last year. NS The Supreme Court has emphasized that public roads Cannot be blocked by protesters indefinitely. In the context of more petitions by members of the public, complaining that their right to free movement has been curtailed by the ongoing protests by the farmers, the court has said that a solution has to be found, that the roads should be extended for a longer period of time. cannot be blocked. And he has no reason to make laws again and again. The reference was against last year’s decision on Shaheen Bagh protest Citizenship (Amendment) ActIn which it was held that even during peaceful protests, public roads and public places cannot be blocked indefinitely. The observation can be seen either as a rejection of the strategy of holding endless protests or as an implicit criticism of the government for being unable to find a solution to the grievances of the farmers. Even while denying that they are responsible for the hardship faced by the public, and blaming the police for the blockade, the farmers say they were allowed to continue their agitation at Ramlila Maidan. Should be known However, remembering the untoward incidents that happened on Republic Day, when protests broke out in the capital, the government would have none of it.

The conflict between two competing rights – the freedom to protest and the right to free movement of the people – is not the only aspect that needs urgent attention. There seems to be no attempt to break the impasse on the core issue, with farmers demanding complete repeal of the laws and statutory recognition for the claim that the MSP regime will not end. Late last year, protesting farmers and Union ministers partially agreed to burn stubble and secure electricity subsidies, but the two main demands have met with no success. It is not to be recalled that an expert committee constituted by the Court has submitted its report, but nothing has been heard about it thereafter. To an extent, the fact that the Court has not taken it up again or made the report public may be a factor in the ongoing impasse. A speedy hearing that includes further review of the panel’s recommendations, or any such initiative on the part of the government, is needed to arrive at a solution. The aim should not only be to resolve the emergent issue of blocked roads, but also to reconcile or eliminate deep-seated differences in what the government sees as necessary reforms in the agriculture sector. Any reform that seeks to eliminate distortions in this sector must also win the trust of farmers, key stakeholders.