• Initiates panel for dialogue
Irate farmers in India have been protesting for more than one month, at the outskirts of Delhi, following imposed farm laws by the government.
Nevertheless, the Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the implementation of the three laws, and set up a committee to look into the said laws, if any changes were needed.
The Chief Justice of India S. A Bobde had criticized the government effort in handling the issue. “I will tell if the laws are in the interest of the public,” Bobde said.
However, leaders of the farm unions tagged court appointed committee as pro-government, saying they would not appear before it. The Union also said they would continue protest against the three legislation.
Read more here: India’s apex court to intervene govt contentious farm laws
In a press statement by All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), the latter expressed concerns regarding the effects of the three laws; stating that the laws would lead to high cost of inputs, increase farmers’ loss, decrease government procurement, cause deaths, hunger,eviction of land due to debts.
He further said, “the government is trying to misguide the court, farmers insist on interactivity with the government, not engaging with the supreme court.”
Farmers had earlier announced they would March to the capital on January 26, if their demands to repeal the farm laws are not met. They are carrying out mass recruitment to get volunteers as they prepare for a large protest on republic day.
Justice S.A Bobde maintained since the government cannot resolve the issue, the appointment of the panel would facilitate the resolution of the problem, adding that “a comfortable and conducive atmosphere would be created for talks. Until then, the farm laws are put on hold,and negotiation will be upheld”.
The three laws are: Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020; and Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020.
Ijeoma Njoku reporting, Obinwannem News
