'No Improvement In Situation': SC On Farmer-Govt Deadlock; To Hear Pleas Against Farm Laws On Jan 11

The Supreme Court bench expressed concern over ongoing farmers’ protest. It adjourned the hearing saying it will take up the petitions challenging farm laws on Monday (January 11.)

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Thousands of farmers protesting near Delhi borders against the three farm bills, are set to intensify the stir as the deadlock with the centre remains unresolved despite eight rounds of negotiation talks. Observing the daily development, the Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed disappointment, saying "there's no improvement in situation at all." The top court bench of AS Bopanna and V Ramasubramaniam headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde today took up a petition filed by advocate ML Sharma challenging the constitutional validity of the three farm laws enacted by the centre last year. Sharma in his plea alleged that the 1954 Amendment Act which included Agriculture in the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution, was passed in an unconstitutional manner. Court hearing the petition initially said that all pending matters related to the farm laws and farmers stir will be taken up for hearing on January 8. However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that these matters should not be listed for hearing on January 8 as "talks are going on between the government and farmers in a healthy atmosphere." Meanwhile, Attorney General KK Venugopal during the hearing told the apex court that efforts are on for healthy discussions between the government and farmers over the issues. Attorney General KK Venugopal reportedly said that parties are likely to reach the conclusion soon. "Filing of response by the Centre on the pleas might foreclose the negotiations between the farmers and government," Venugopal said. The bench later adjourned the hearing saying it will like to take up the petitions challenging farm laws on Monday. "We understand the situation and encourage consultation. We can adjourn the matters on January 11 if you submit the same due to the ongoing consultation process," the top court said.