Farmers Protest: High Court Orders Punjab & Haryana Govts To Submit Orders Suspending Internet, Seeks Post-Mortem Report Of Deceased Protestor

The Punjab and Haryana High Court today asked both the states to place on record the "necessary orders" suspending internet aid the ongoing Farmer's Protest.

Referring to Apex Court's decision in Anuradha Bhasin v Union of India, the bench of Acting Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Lapita Banerji said "the law is very clear on suspension of internet" and directed both the States "to place on record the necessary orders whereby internet was suspended."

Court also heard two PILs seeking judicial enquiry into the death of the protestor on February 21 and questioned the Punjab government as to why the post-mortem report has not come.

"Why are you (Punjab) taking a week to conduct the post-mortem? What inquest proceedings have you taken so far? Was it a natural death?", orally questioned Justice Sandhawalia.

Counsel for Punjab government then informed the Court that post-mortem was conducted yesterday and the report is awaited. He also submitted that a "Zero-FIR" is registered in the matter under Section 302 IPC.

The Union government also filed an affidavit which was taken on record by the Court, wherein it was submitted that four rounds of meetings have taken place with the representatives of farmers.

It was also submitted on affidavit that the Union Government has taken steps for the "betterment of the socio-economic status of the farmer community," which includes, "Increment in Budget allocation and MSP at 50% over the cost production."

The farmers are protesting in demand of a law guaranteeing MSP, among other things. The Court was hearing the plea challenging the alleged obstructive actions of the government and another plea seeking immediate action against the protest along with other related PILs.

Previously, ACJ GS Sandhawalia orally asked the Punjab Government to ensure that protestors are not gathered in large numbers, "they have right to protest but it is subjected to reasonable restrictions," the judge said.

During the hearing, ACJ Sandhawalia had also objected to farmers travelling in tractors and trolleys for protest. "According to Motor Vehicle Act, you cannot use tractors and trolleys on highway...you are travelling on your tractors and trolleys from Amritsar to Delhi.. everyone knows about their rights but there are also constitutional duties," the ACJ said.

The matter is now listed for next week for further consideration.

Title: Uday Pratap Singh v. State of Punjab & Ors.

The story will be updated. A detailed order is awaited.