Farmers can protest but Delhi can't be blocked: SC

Farmers, mainly from Punjab and Haryana, have been camping at Delhi's borders since November last week.

They want the Centre, led by BJP, to repeal three controversial laws, that were passed during the Monsoon Session. The government has offered amendments but said it will not roll back the reforms.

To note, five rounds of talks between both parties have remained inconclusive.

The matter made it to the Supreme Court when a bunch of petitions — both in favor and against the agitation were filed.

During the hearing today, CJI Bobde said, "We will not decide the validity of the laws today. The first and the only thing we will decide today is regarding the farmers' protest and the fundamental right of citizens to move."

Harish Salve, representing a petitioner who sought removal of farmers, argued that the protest was impacting the lives of Delhi's residents, both directly and indirectly.

He mentioned prices of daily goods are rising because borders are blocked.

"There is a fundamental right to protest. But that has to be balanced with other fundamental rights. The price rise will lead to irreparable loss," he argued.

CJI Bobde said the purpose of any protest can only be achieved if parties talk to one another. "If the protest has a purpose other than the protest, we wish to facilitate that," he asserted.

"The cause of the protest cannot be protest. The cause of protest is to articulate a view. Protests for the sake of protests are a public nuisance," Salve argued.

The top court also ordered the Centre to not instigate violence.

Attorney General KK Venugopal said the farmers want nothing less than a repeal of the laws. "They must be directed to come for discussion. It cannot be like 'repeal or nothing'," he said.

On this, CJI said the farmers are unlikely to welcome the Centre's offers, hence, a committee will be formed.

Among other things, CJI noted that Delhi isn't choking, but Salve maintained that main arterial roads have been blocked.

The bench also said it understood farmers' plight. "We are Indians. We are sympathetic to the farmers," he said.

He also asked Venugopal if Union can assure to not take any executive action to facilitate negotiations.

Venugopal promised to respond after taking instructions.