The Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear a petition seeking to evict the farmers, who were agitating on Singhu border connecting Haryana to Delhi, leading to blockade of road and problems to the commuters.
The three-Judge Bench comprising Justices D.Y. Chandrachud, Vikram Nath and Hima Kohli observed that since the matter does not involve gross violation of fundamental rights, it should be heard by the concerned High Court and not the Supreme Court, since the High Courts would be more aware of the local condition.
The petition, filed by Jai Bhagwan, resident of Sonipat, contended that the road has been closed for several months. It sought direction from the Supreme Court to open the road or issue an order to build another road, so that people can move easily.
We should trust High Courts: Justice Chandrachud
Justice Chandrachud said, “There is no reason for us to interfere in this matter. When the High Courts are present and they are fully aware of the local circumstances, we should trust them. The petitioner is at liberty to file an application in the High Court.
“High Courts can also deal with the issue of freedom of movement and people’s access to basic facilities. They can pass effective orders, balancing the right to protest and the right of other citizens,” he noted.
The Court further said that while the invitation to interfere in the case was “tempting”, it needs to ask itself whether it would intervene in a similar way, if a border blockade issue arose down south.
Thereafter, the application was withdrawn. The petition had alleged that people of the city were facing problems due to the agitation, as the main road connecting Delhi to Haryana was closed.
Advocate Abhimanyu Bhandari, appearing for the petitioner, said that Singhu border is important for the movement of people of Sonepat and due to the farmer’s protest, their right to movement is being curtailed. “We are not against a peaceful movement, but people are facing difficulties due to the closure of roads,” he added.