The apex court on 12th January 2020, while hearing the farmers’ pleas to declare the three farm laws unconstitutional, opined, in consonance with the Central Government, that the laws are perfectly Constitutional and within the legislative competence of the Parliament. The three laws in the debate, Farmers (Empowerment & Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance & Farm Services Act 2020, Farmers Produce Trade & Commerce (Promotion & Facilitation) Act & Amendment to Essential Commodities Act have stayed until further orders. A committee consisting of four members is being set up to assess the on-ground situation, lend an ear to all parties involved, and submit a comprehensive report on the same to the Court. The farmers’ protests along the borders of Delhi have been ongoing since November 2020. The demand for ensuring that the interests of the farmers are not side-lined or completely ignored has been at the forefront of the movement. It is contended that the laws being protested against would lead to the breaking down of the Agriculture Produce Market Committee system intended to ensure fair prices for farm products. The Court, on 18th January, will hear the injunction plea of the Delhi Police against the tractor rally being planned by the farmers on Republic Day.
- Shrishti Jha, Research Intern, Stambh Organization.
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