Supreme Court Set to Address Plea for Clearing Highway Blockages Amid Farmers' Protests

New Delhi, Dec 9 (NationPress) On Monday, the Supreme Court is scheduled to review a petition calling for instructions to the Central and State Governments to swiftly eliminate the obstructions on both National and State highways, which were established during the farmers' protests. These disruptions are considered a potential threat to national security, particularly as they affect the entire Army's movement towards the northern borders of the nation, which relies on routes through Punjab.

The petition emphasizes the necessity for the removal of all barriers, especially at the Shambhu border, and urges both the state and central authorities to facilitate the uninterrupted transit of individuals and goods.

Filed by a social activist from Punjab, the petition advocates for the swift removal of restrictions, while also proposing preventive measures against any future highway and railway obstructions initiated by protesting farmers.

It points out that farmers and their organizations have obstructed highways throughout Punjab since October 24, 2024, with the Shambhu border being blocked for more than a year.

According to the plea, these blockages significantly threaten national security, as vital military operations towards the northern frontiers traverse this area.

The Supreme Court's agenda for December 9 indicates that this case will be heard by a bench led by Justice Surya Kant.

The plea also highlights the hardships faced by the populace in Punjab and adjacent states, as they encounter severe delays in reaching hospitals during medical emergencies, with even ambulances being hindered from accessing national and state highways across Punjab.

It asserts that the free movement on highways is a fundamental right of citizens, which is currently being infringed upon by the farmers' blockade across the entirety of Punjab.

Meanwhile, the farmers' protests are intensifying. On Sunday, farmers from Punjab briefly halted their march towards Delhi following a clash with Haryana Police at the interstate border, where security forces deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse a secondary group of 101 farmers attempting to resume their “Delhi Chalo” rally.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher reported that at least eight farmers sustained injuries during the altercation, with one requiring immediate medical care at PGIMER, Chandigarh. Pandher confirmed that the farmer group, known as “jatha,” has been recalled and that future strategies will be deliberated by platforms such as the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.

The outcome of the Supreme Court's hearing is anticipated to significantly shape the subsequent actions in the ongoing standoff.