The Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the implementation of three farms laws until further orders and formed a 4-member panel to hold talks with farmers
The Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the implementation of three farms laws until further orders and formed a four-member committee to hold talks with farmers over the Acts. "Implementation of the three laws stayed until further orders," said Chief Justice of India SA Bobde. A three-judge bench, headed by the CJI, is hearing a batch of petitions, including those filed by DMK MP Tiruchi Siva, RJD MP Manoj K Jha, regarding the constitutional validity of three farm laws, passed by the Central government, and the plea to disperse protesting farmers.
"We are forming a committee so that we have a clearer picture. We don`t want to hear arguments that farmers will not go to the committee. We are looking to solve the problem. If you (farmers) want to agitate indefinitely, you can do so," CJI Bobde said.
"We are concerned about the validity of the laws and also about protecting the life and property of citizens affected by protests. We are trying to solve the problem in accordance with the powers we have. One of the powers we have is to suspend the legislation and make a committee," he said."This committee will be for us. All of you people who are expected to solve the issue will go before this committee. It will not pass an order or punish you, it will only submit a report to us... The committee is part of the judicial process in this case. We are planning to suspend the laws but not indefinitely," he added.
The Apex Court also issued the notice on the Delhi Police`s application seeking to stop the proposed tractor rally on Republic Day by farmers protesting against the new farm laws.Attorney General KK Venugopal said that if these farmers are allowed to enter, then no one can say, where they will go. To this, the CJI replied: "The police is with you (government)... Entry to the city will be a decision of the police."
Farmer leaders and Opposition parties welcomed the apex court's decision to stay the implementation of the three farm laws, however, some of them expressed doubts over the neutrality of the committee formed by the top court to end the impasse over the contentious legislations.
Here's what some farmer leaders and Opposition leaders said about the Supreme Court's decision:
1. Sharad Pawar
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NCP president Sharad Pawar on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court's decision and tweeted: "A welcome decision taken by the Apex Court of India to put on hold the implementation of three farm bills and set up a four member committee to resolve the issues."
"It is a big relief for farmers and I hope that a concrete dialogue between Central government and farmers will be initiated now, keeping the famers interests and well being in mind," he said in another tweet.
2. Sankyukt Kisan Morcha
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Farmer leaders welcomed the Supreme Court order, but said they would not call off their protest until the legislations are repealed.
The Sankyukt Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of around 40 protesting farmer unions, has called a meeting later in the day to decide the next course of action.
The farmer leaders said they are not willing to participate in any proceedings before a committee appointed by the Supreme Court, but a formal decision on this will be taken by the Morcha.
"We welcome the court's order to stay the implementation of the farm laws, but we want a complete repeal of these laws, which is our main demand," Abhimanyu Kohar, a senior leader of the Morcha, told news agency PTI.
Another farmer leader, Harinder Lokhwal, said the protest will continue until the contentious farm laws are repealed.
(Photo: ANI)
3. P Chidambaram
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Congress leader P Chidambaram said, "The concern expressed by the Supreme Court over the farmers’ protests is justified and welcome in the situation created by a stubborn government. The decision to form a Committee to help find a solution is well-intentioned. However, the composition of the four member committee is puzzling and sends contradictory signals."
4. Yogendra Yadav
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"Farmers would any day prefer to talk to Narendra Tomar than to such a blatantly partisan "expert" committee. Wonder how the Supreme Court could be taken for a ride into appointing such a sarkari committee," said Yogendra Yadav.
5. Randeep Surjewala
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Addressing a press conference, Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the party welcomes the Supreme Court's concern over the farm laws, but the party has issues with the composition of the committee formed by it.
He said the members of the committee have already expressed their views in the past favouring the new laws "so the question arises in our minds that how justice will be done to farmers by their hands".
6. MK Stalin
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DMK chief MK Stalin also welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court, saying this is a victory for farmers protesting across India.
"I once again urge the Union government to commit to repealing the farm laws in the next Parliament Session," he said.
7. All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee
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"It is clear that the court is being misguided by various forces even in its constitution of a committee. These are people who are known for their support to the 3 Acts and have actively advocated for the same," a statement issued by All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) said.
(Photo: ANI)
8. Eknath Shinde
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".....Be it any government, it was required to take decisions (on the laws) considering sentiments of farmers and taking them into confidence. But unfortunately, this did not happen. Hence, the Supreme Court has intervened. It is the victory of farmers," Maharashtra Urban Development Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde told reporters in Chandrapur in east Maharashtra.
