Farmers' Protest: Plea In Punjab & Haryana High Court Challenges Internet Suspension, Border Sealing In Haryana

A petition has been filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court challenging the "obstructive actions" of the Central and State governments, including sealing of border between Haryana and Punjab in order to "prevent the farmers from exercising their constitutional right to assembly and protest peacefully."

The plea also questions the suspension of mobile internet services and bulk SMS in several districts of Haryana including  Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa, stating that, it "further exacerbate the situation, depriving the citizens of their right to information and communication."

The farmers seek enactment of a law guaranteeing minimum support price for crops amid other demands.

Uday Pratap Singh, a Chandigarh based lawyer has moved the High Court seeking issuance of an urgent interim order to stay all "obstructive actions" against farmers' protests.

"The arbitrary and illegal non-payment of Minimum Support Price sparked a deep sense of discontentment and betrayal among the hardworking farmers of the state. This unjust decision inflicted trauma upon the impoverished farming community. Despite the farmers' pleas for the government to honour their rightful demand for at least the minimum support price (MSP) for their produce, the authorities have turned a deaf ear to their concerns," the petition states.

It is alleged that State's action violate the fundamental right of citizens to move freely under Article 19 of the Constitution and prohibits peaceful assembly. Pratap also seeks an Independent inquiry into alleged arbitrary actions, including police intimidation and installation of obstacles.

"In a country guided by the rule of law, actions taken by law enforcement authorities should be consistent with legal standards and respect fundamental rights and freedoms. Implementing obstacles such as layers of nails, reinforced concrete walls, electrification, and barbed wire fences may Such measures risk undermining the foundations of a democratic society governed by the rule of law, where respect for human rights and legal principles should prevail," the plea adds.

Case Title: Uday Pratap Singh v. UOI & Ors.