A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) SA Bobde on Monday took up petitions challenging the validity of the three farm laws and those seeking removal of agitating farmers from Delhi roads.
The CJI said, “We are extremely disappointed the way government is handling the issue. Last four times you said negotiations are on. What negotiations are you talking about?”
“If you have some sense of responsibility, and if you say you will withhold the implementation of laws, we will form committee to decide. We don’t see why there should be an insistence that the laws must be implemented at any cost.”
He further expressed concern on the conditions of farmers who are the part of the agitation and holding dharna at Delhi borders for over a month now.
“Some people have committed suicide, old people and women are a part of the agitation. What is happening?,” said the CJI, and added that not a single plea has been filed that said that the farm laws are good.
CJI also took a dig at the lackadaisical approach of the government while dealing with farmers issues.
“If the Centre does not want to stay the implementation of farm laws, we will put a stay on it,” told CJI.
He also warned the Centre on the possibility of situation getting out of control.
“Each one of us will be responsible if something goes wrong. We don’t want anybody’s blood on our hands,” he said.
The CJI said it will not help the government to say that the previous government started it. “We don’t know if you are part of the problem or solution,” said the CJI. The hearing is still underway.
