Farmers Protest: Plea In Punjab & Haryana High Court Seeks Free Passage For Public Through Shambhu Border

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in Punjab & Haryana High Court today, seeking directions to allow passing of pubic transports and vehicles from Shambhu border, connecting Punjab-Haryana which is allegedly blocked by protesting farmers and closed by the Haryana Government.

The farmers are protesting in demand of a law guaranteeing MSP, among other things since February. In another PIL pending before the High Court, a Judicial probe committee has submitted an interim report on protesting farmer's death.

Vasu Ranjan Shandilya, a lawyer by profession, has moved the High Court alleging that the border has been closed since the start of the farmers agitation, which has caused inconvenience to the general public, especially businessmen and departmental stores owners and street vendors who are providing essential commodities to the locals.

Stating that NH-44 is considered the lifeline of the region as it connects New Delhi to Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, the plea alleged, "the farmers halted traffic (on NH-44) after starting their Andolan about five-and-a-half months ago near Shambhu village situated on the border of Ambala district. "

It is submitted in the petition that only a few farmers are sitting at the Shambhu border and most of the area/road is lying vacant which is blocked by cemented barricade from both sides by the Haryana Government.

"That it is worthwhile to mention here that more than 500 Cops of Haryana Police along with Para-military forces are deployed on Shambhu Border to prevent any mis-happening, which is causing great financial burden to state exchequer and also increase pendency and Non-disposal of complaints. which are pending in various police stations," it adds.

In the light of the above, the plea seeks directions to Union and State Governments, "to ensure that the general public/ public transport/ emergency vehicles, shall not be restrained from crossing Shambhu border where protesting farmer unions have been encamping for over five months..."

TITLE: VASU RANJAN SHANDILYA v. UNION OF INDIA. & ORS.