Supreme Court Defers Hearing on Farmers' Protest Amid Ongoing Talks
Taking note of the ongoing discussions between the Centre and farmers seeking a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) for crops, the Supreme Court on Friday postponed its hearing on the farmers' protest.
With the third round of negotiations scheduled for March 19, a Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh stated that the matter would be taken up after the talks conclude.
The Bench is currently reviewing petitions seeking contempt action against Punjab government officials regarding the provision of medical aid to farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh informed the court that two state ministers had participated in the discussions.
The court also acknowledged an interim report submitted by the high-powered committee it had appointed to facilitate dialogue between the agitating farmers and the government. While the Bench appreciated the committee’s work, it decided to retain the interim report without making it public for the time being. This committee was established by the Supreme Court in September 2024 to mediate and address the concerns of protesting farmers.
Earlier, on January 22, the court had put on hold contempt proceedings against the Punjab Chief Secretary and the DGP after being informed that Dallewal—who had been on a hunger strike since November 26, 2024—was receiving medical treatment without breaking his fast.
On January 2, the Bench had questioned the Centre on why it couldn’t assure farmers that their genuine concerns would be considered, particularly regarding their demand for a legal MSP guarantee.
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