Farmers Protest : SCBA Executive Committee Condemns Use Of Force Against Protesters; Says 'Peaceful Protest Corner Stone Of Constitution'

The Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association(SCBA) passed a resolution on Thursday condemning the "use of force and repressive measures" against peaceful protesters.

The resolution comes in the context of the farmers protest against the recently passed three farm laws.

The Committee noted that the farmers have been holding non-violent protests and that they have sought to present their views on the legislations, which in their opinion, infringe their rights.

"This Association emphasises that the right of citizens to discuss, debate, criticise or protest against such Bills or Acts is sacrosanct. Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our Constitution, and the bedrock of human rights", the resolution said.

The full text of the Resolution :

"The Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association has been dismayed to read reports in the media about the use of brute force to break up peaceful protests, where citizens raise their voices against State actions which they believe denigrate their basic rights. The recent legislation on farm produce, which exclude the jurisdiction of civil courts, followed by use of force to prevent the farmers from holding non violent protests for their rights is a case in point. The farmers have sought to present their views on the legislations which in their opinion infringe their rights. This Association emphasises that the right of citizens to discuss, debate, criticise or protest against such Bills or Acts is sacrosanct. Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our Constitution, and the bedrock of human rights. To paraphrase Edmund Burke, I may completely disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.

The Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association has unanimously resolved to condemn the use of force and repressive measures against peaceful protesters, and calls upon all concerned Governments to uphold and protect the Constitutional right of all citizens to peaceful protest".

Thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab, have been camping at Delhi borders since November 26 raising their demand the the farm laws be repealed.

There are several reports of police using force against the protesters. Police used water cannons and fired tear-gas shells to stop the protesters.

After the support for the protests swelled, the Central Government invited the leaders for talks. However, the talks are yet to yield results and the farmers are standing firm on their demand that the laws be withdrawn.