"They have right to protest peacefully", says HC on Farmers' Protest

Chandigarh: Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday resumed the hearing of petitions related to the ongoing farmers' protest. The High Court said that the protesting farmers have the right to protest peacefully. The Acting Chief Justice of the High Court said, "We have been informed that there was widespread newspaper coverage about this litigation, so we presume that farmers are aware and they will be bound by the order of this court."

During the hearing, the Punjab AG Gurminder Singh submitted the status report to the court. Likewise, ASG Satya Pal Jain informed the court that the Petitioner has written to UN General Secretary for international intervention. He said the petitioner has every right to move any court but unfortunately, he has written to the UN that he must withdraw it.

Petitioner said that the State was using violent means on peaceful protesters.

To this, AG said that the ground situation is that they have not entered Haryana and they are still in Punjab. We are making all the arrangements including medical, etc. The situation is tense but under control, he said. AG Punjab also highlighted that the farmers have brought down the drone by flying kites.

In the meanwhile, the Court recorded submissions from a status report filed by the Haryana govt that the protest was organized without permission and is likely to impact day-to-day life. The Haryana govt also submitted that the blockade is causing inconvenience and the economy in nearby areas has also been affected.

ASG informed the Court that a meeting was scheduled today where Union Ministers and Kisaan leaders will be present.

While the petitioner submitted that the use of force on the protesters was excessive and even weapons were used at the Shambhu border, the ACJ said "It is very unfair that you took it to the UN. You mentioned it, we took it up. Once you have invoked the jurisdiction of this Court, how can you take it to the UN?"

The petitioner expressed regret for his "impulsive act" and submitted that he would take steps to withdraw it.

Furthermore, the ACJ said, "Let a short affidavit be filed by the respondents on Monday." Likewise, the matter was adjourned to Tuesday (Feb 20).