'Cannot entertain repetitive petitions': Supreme Court dismisses fresh plea seeking removal of blockades at Shambhu border

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a petition urging directions to the central and Punjab governments to clear blockades on highways where farmers have been protesting. The court said that the matter was already under consideration and that it had already taken steps in relation to the issue.

"Matter is already pending before court and it cannot entertain repetitive petitions on the same issue," the top court said.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Manmohan was hearing the petition.

The petition, filed by a Punjab-based social activist, also requested the Centre to remove restrictions on farmers' protests and ensure that highways and railway tracks remain unobstructed. The petition alleges that farmers and their unions have caused permanent blockages across the state, disrupting vital infrastructure.

"The alleged farmers and their farmer unions have blocked the national highway at the entry point of Punjab i.e. Shambu for more than one year and recently have blocked national and state highways in the entire state of Punjab at various locations on October 24, 2024," the plea said.

It argues that these blockages pose a national security risk, as the Army’s movements toward northern borders pass through Punjab. The petition further claims that medical emergencies are being hindered, as ambulances are unable to access highways.

"People of Punjab and neighbouring states are facing great difficulty as they are unable to reach hospitals on time in case of medical emergency, as even ambulances are being stopped from running on national and state highways in the entire state of Punjab," the plea added.

Since February 13, farmers from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been camped at Shambhu and Khanauri border points, after security forces halted their march to Delhi. On Sunday, The "jatha," a group of 101 farmers participating in the 'Dilli Chalo' march, was called off due to rising tensions and injuries among protesters. One farmer is in serious condition, and several others were injured, prompting the decision to withdraw the group. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher stated that a meeting will take place tomorrow to assess the situation.

During a separate hearing on Monday, the SC had observed that while peaceful protests were a democratic right, they must be conducted responsibly. The court asked farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal to ensure that the protests do not obstruct highways.

The apex court dismissed a habeas corpus plea filed for Dallewal, who was allegedly removed from the protest site at the Khanauri border and taken to a hospital in Ludhiana. The Court noted that Dallewal had since been released and rejoined the protest.

Dallewal had been on a fast-unto-death, demanding legal backing for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for agricultural produce. He claimed his removal was forced by the Punjab government on behalf of the Centre and described his hospitalisation as a form of "detention," with restricted access to his phone and the media.

Upon his release, Dallewal was welcomed by Sarwan Singh Pandher, senior leader of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, who reaffirmed support for the farmers' agitation.