SC Directs Punjab, Haryana To Co-Ordinate For Partial Reopening Of Shambhu Border

The Supreme Court on Monday passed an order directing the senior police officials (DGPs) of both Punjab and Haryana to hold a meeting to explore partial re-opening of Shambhu Border within one week

The court noted that partial re-opening of the Shambhu border is needed to facilitate movement of ambulances,

Source : PTI

The Supreme Court on Monday passed an order directing the senior police officials (DGPs) of both Punjab and Haryana to hold a meeting along with the police officials (SPs) of adjoining districts of Patiala and Ambala within one week to facilitate partial reopening of the highway at the Shambhu border.

The borders have been closed following the 'Delhi Chalo march' announced by protesting farmers who have been camping there since February 13.

"A meeting of concerned police officials may be held, but If both sides are able to resolve such modalities they need not await an order of this court and can give in force resolutions," the court ordered.

A bench headed by Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan at the outset of the hearing appreciated the efforts put in by the Punjab and Haryana government in suggesting apolitical names for constituting a committee, which will hold meetings with the protesting farmers.

The court noted that partial re-opening of the Shambhu border is needed to facilitate movement of ambulances, essential services, senior citizens, women, girl students and the local commuters living in nearby areas.

The court said that the DGPs of both Haryana and Punjab will decide in the meet if more lanes can be opened near Shambhu Border.

The top court further asked the Punjab government to talk to protesting farmers at the Shambhu border to remove tractors, trolleys and JCBs from the road, saying highways are not parking space.

The top court will also constitute a panel to negotiate with the farmers which will include the apolitical members suggested by both Punjab and Haryana governments. The bench said that there has to be a respectable and amicable solution.

In a previous hearing the Supreme Court had asked the Punjab and Haryana governments to suggest the names of some neutral personalities for setting up an independent committee to reach out to the protesting farmers at the Shambhu border and hear them to reach a solution.

Farmers have been primarily protesting for a legal guarantee of MSP for their produce.

The matter came up in the top court after the Haryana government moved the Supreme Court against the Punjab and Haryana High Court order directing it to open Shambhu borders within a week by removing the barricades.

The matter is listed for further hearing on August 22.