India SC backs farmers’ right to protest

The weeks-long farmers' protest at the borders of Delhi must continue and the national capital cannot be blocked, the Indian Supreme Court said while hearing a series of petitions on the issue.   

The court said it would refer the matter to a vacation bench and suggested that the government not take any action to implement the law till the court takes a final decision on the issue.

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"We make it clear that we recognise the fundamental right to protest against a law. There is no question of balancing or curtailing it. But it should not damage anyone's life or property," said Chief Justice SA Bobde.

Justice Bobde, who said on Wednesday that the matter must be handed over to a committee, said it must have "independent members with knowledge of agriculture and hear both sides and give report on what is to be done".  Meanwhile, the "protests can continue without violence and the police will not do anything (to stop the protests)," he said.

The court however asked farmers to engage in talks to resolve the crisis.

Farmers have been demonstrating for more than three weeks against deregulation of the agriculture sector that will allow them to sell produce to buyers beyond government-regulated wholesale markets, where growers are assured a minimum price. Small growers fear the changes, part of Modi's liberalising reforms, will mean the end of price support for staples such as wheat and rice and leave them at the mercy of big business.

Six rounds of talks between government officials and farmers' union leaders have failed to resolve one of the most pressing issues facing Modi's government. The government has said while the reforms can be amended it is determined to liberalise the sector. Farmers say government must repeal the laws.