Taking cognisance of ongoing deliberations between the Centre and farmer representatives regarding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), the Supreme Court on Friday deferred its hearing on the farmers’ protest.
A Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh noted that the third round of talks was scheduled for 19 March, and consequently decided to take up the matter thereafter.
The Bench is currently hearing petitions seeking contempt proceedings against Punjab government officials for providing medical aid to farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal.
Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh informed the court that two state ministers had actively participated in the discussions.
The Bench also took on record an interim report submitted by the court-appointed high-powered committee, which was tasked with providing a platform for farmers to voice their concerns.
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While the judges commended the panel’s efforts, they chose to retain the interim report without making it public for the time being.
The Supreme Court had constituted this committee in September 2024 with the objective of finding an amicable resolution to the farmers’ grievances.
The farmers have been demanding a legal framework ensuring MSP for their crops, along with other concessions.
On 22 January, the Bench had placed in abeyance a contempt petition against Punjab’s Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police after it was apprised that Dallewal—who has been on a hunger strike since 26 November 2024—was receiving medical care without breaking his fast.
Earlier, on 2 January, the Bench had posed a question to the Centre, asking why it could not simply affirm that its doors were open to considering the farmers’ legitimate concerns.
With negotiations still ongoing, the Supreme Court’s decision to defer the hearing underscores the significance of dialogue in addressing the farmers’ long-standing demands.
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