The court's remarks come amid ongoing protests by farmers seeking a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on crops, among other demands. The protests have persisted despite the repeal of the contentious farm laws in 2021, with farmers asserting that their concerns remain unaddressed.
Justice Surya Kant emphasized the importance of dialogue, suggesting that the Centre should openly declare its willingness to consider the farmers' legitimate concerns. He stated, "Why can't the Central government make a statement that it will consider the genuine demands and we are open to discuss the grievances of farmers, our doors are open?"
In response, Solicitor General Mehta indicated that the government is concerned about every farmer but refrained from making any immediate commitments. He mentioned, "Perhaps the court is not aware of various factors weighing in," and added, "The Central government is concerned with each and every farmer."
The bench also addressed the situation of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike since November 26. The court had previously directed the Punjab government to provide medical aid and hospitalize Dallewal to ensure his well-being. However, reports suggest that efforts to persuade him to accept medical assistance without breaking his fast have been challenging.
Expressing concern over the state's handling of the situation, the Supreme Court criticized Punjab officials for creating a false impression in the media that attempts are being made to break Dallewal's fast. The court clarified that its primary concern is Dallewal's health and that hospitalization does not necessitate ending his protest. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan remarked, "We are only concerned with his health. We never directed to break his protest."
The Punjab government assured the court that efforts are ongoing to persuade Dallewal to accept medical assistance without discontinuing his hunger strike. The state emphasized the complexities involved, noting the significant mobilization of farmers who have formed a protective ring around Dallewal, making direct intervention challenging.
The Supreme Court has scheduled a compliance hearing for January 6, directing the Punjab Chief Secretary to file an affidavit detailing the steps taken to provide medical aid to Dallewal. The court warned of constitutional consequences if its orders are not implemented, underscoring the urgency of the matter.
This development highlights the ongoing tensions between the government and farmers' unions, which have been advocating for more robust legal frameworks to ensure fair pricing and support for agricultural produce. The Supreme Court's intervention underscores the need for constructive dialogue and resolution to address the concerns of the farming community effectively.
The Centre's previous engagements with farmers have yielded limited progress, with both sides holding firm on their positions. The government's repeal of the farm laws was seen as a significant concession, yet farmers continue to demand legal guarantees on MSP and other safeguards to protect their livelihoods.
The Supreme Court's call for the Centre to openly engage with farmers may pave the way for renewed discussions. However, the complexities involved, including differing state and central government perspectives and the diverse demands of various farmer groups, present challenges that require careful navigation.