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Farmers' Protest Updates: Modi urges 'all farmers' to read Tomar's letter supporting farm laws
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  • Farmers' Protest Updates: Modi urges 'all farmers' to read Tomar's letter supporting farm laws

Farmers' Protest Updates: Modi urges 'all farmers' to read Tomar's letter supporting farm laws

FP Staff • December 17, 2020, 23:35:24 IST
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Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: In his tweet, the prime minister also requested citizens to circulate the letter reiterating the govt’s stand as widely as possible

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Farmers' Protest Updates: Modi urges 'all farmers' to read Tomar's letter supporting farm laws
December 17, 2020, 22:07:11 (IST)
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If govt wants to talk to farmers it should convey that formally: BKU leader Rakesh Tikait

If the government wants to talk to farmer leaders that should be formally conveyed like in previous occasions, said Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait on Friday, asserting that anything less than scrapping of the new agri laws won’t be accepted. The government on Thursday asked farmer groups to consider its proposals for amending the Acts to address their concerns and said it was open to discussing its offer further whenever the unions want.

“They (government) should first tell us when and where they want to meet us as they did for previous formal talks. If they invite us for talks, we will discuss that with our coordination committee and then take a decision,” Tikait told PTI. The BKU leader said there was no question of returning home until the government repeals the three laws. Asked whether the government has sent any invite for further discussion, he said the farmer unions have not received anything as such.

(PTI)

December 17, 2020, 21:34:18 (IST)
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PM to speak on farm laws’ ‘benefits’ in address to MP farmers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will speak about the “beneficial provisions” of the new farmlaws during his virtual address to the farmers of Madhya Pradesh on Friday as part of a state-level programme, PTI reported. 

An official of the Madhya Pradesh Public Relations Department on Thursday said the prime minister would address the farmersin the state around 2 pm. The MP government has organised a state-level ‘Kisan Kalyan’ event in Raisen district, wherein Chief MinisterShivraj Singh will transfer the relief amount of Rs 1,600crore into the bank accounts of nearly 35.50 lakh farmers forthe damaged kharif crops, the official said.

Nearly 20,000 farmers will take part in the state-level programme in Raisen, he added. “After the chief minister’s speech, PM Modi willaddress the farmers of the state around 2 pm through video-conference and explain to them in detail the beneficialprovisions of the new agricultural laws,” he said.

December 17, 2020, 21:21:36 (IST)
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Farmer leaders to consult senior lawyers for next course of action

Farmer leaders on Thursday said they will consult senior lawyers, including Colin Gonsalves, Dushyant Dave and Prashant Bhushan, before deciding the next course of action after the Supreme Court said it was thinking of setting up an “impartial and independent” panel of agriculture experts and peasants’ unions to resolve the deadlock over the contentious farm laws. The protesting farmer leaders welcomed the apex court’s move to acknowledge the right of farmers to non-violent protests, but asserted that their agitation will continue until a concrete solution is found.

“We will meet senior lawyers Colin Gonsalves, Dushyant Dave, HS Phoolka and Prashant Bhushan on Friday and consult them about what can be done,” Abhimanyu Kohar, a leader of the Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sabha, told PTI. He said the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of around 40 farmer unions protesting at Delhi’s border points, has not received any notice from the Supreme Court, adding that it will comment on the matter only after seeing a copy of the court’s order.

December 17, 2020, 20:47:47 (IST)
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Kejriwal indulged in cheap theatrics by tearing copies of farm laws: Harsimrat

Former union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Thursday accused Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal of indulging in “cheap theatrics” by tearing copies of the farm laws. She said his government in Delhi was among the first to notify one of the central laws related to agriculture, reports PTI.

In a statement, Badal said the Delhi chief minister was known as a “dramebaaz” but this time he indulged in “cheap theatrics” and “unparalleled hypocrisy” by tearing the same laws in the Vidhan Sabha, one of which he had notified on 23 November.

“The Delhi chief minister is only shedding crocodile tears in a desperate bid to wipe away the blot he has put on his name by rushing to notify the farm laws on the directions of the central government. These dramas however won’t help.

“Farmers know that Kejriwal and AAP have never supported their struggle and Kejriwal has always danced to the tune of the central government,” she alleged.

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December 17, 2020, 20:29:24 (IST)
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Opposition’s anger over Ram temple reason for farmer protests, says Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath claims that the Opposition is lending support to the farmers’ agitation to fuel unrest in the country because they “cannot tolerate” Prime Minister Modi’s plan to construct a Ram temple in Ayodhya, reports NDTV. “Those who cannot tolerate that a grand Ram temple is being built in Ayodhya are angry because Modi has even kickstarted the construction of a grand Ram temple,” the Bharatiya Janata Party leader says.

December 17, 2020, 20:16:37 (IST)
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PM Modi urges all farmers to read Tomar’s letter

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the Union agriculture minister’s letter by urging people to read it. “I request all the farmers to read it. The countrymen are also urged to make it reach to as many people as possible,” his tweet read in Hindi.

Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Thursday wrote a letter addressed to farmers, where he reiterated that the government is ready to give a written assurance regarding the MSP. He also said some vested groups are trying to create confusion in the minds of the farmers.

कृषि मंत्री @nstomar जी ने किसान भाई-बहनों को पत्र लिखकर अपनी भावनाएं प्रकट की हैं, एक विनम्र संवाद करने का प्रयास किया है। सभी अन्नदाताओं से मेरा आग्रह है कि वे इसे जरूर पढ़ें। देशवासियों से भी आग्रह है कि वे इसे ज्यादा से ज्यादा लोगों तक पहुंचाएं। https://t.co/9B4d5pyUF1

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 17, 2020
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December 17, 2020, 19:57:17 (IST)
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Farm-law impasse should be resolved through dialogue: BKU chief

Bharatiya Kisan Union president Naresh Tikait said farmers did not want conflict during the protest against the new farm laws and the issue should be resolved through dialogue, as per PTI. Tikait said the Centre should repeal the farm laws in the public interest, adding that the contentious legislations were not in favour of the farmers.

Addressing the media in Muzaffarnagar before his departure to Delhi, Tikait suggested that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, BJP veteran L K Advani and RLD leader Ajit Singh should be part of the dialogue to resolve the issue.

December 17, 2020, 19:47:10 (IST)
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Ghazipur border closed: Delhi Traffic Police

Earlier, the Delhi Traffic Police had tweeted that due to farmers protests, the Ghazipur border between is closed for traffic coming from Ghaziabad to Delhi

Traffic Alert,
Gazipur border is closed for traffic coming from Ghaziabad to Delhi due to farmers protests. People are advised to take alternate route for coming to Delhi via Anand Vihar, DND, Apsara & Bhopra borders.

— Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) December 17, 2020
December 17, 2020, 19:29:01 (IST)
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Next hearing after winter vacation, says SC

According to India Today, hearing of petitions on farmers’ protests will now take place in January, after the winter vacations. However, the pendency of these matters will not prevent the parties from resolving the issue amicably, LiveLaw quotes the court as saying. “In order to bring about an effective solution to the present stalemate between the protesters and the government, we consider it appropriate in the interests of justice to constitute a committee comprising of independent and impartial persons including experts in the field of agriculture” and sought suggestions about the constitution of the committee.

In order to bring about an effective solution to the present stalemate between the protesters and Govt, we consider it appropriate in the interests of justice to constitute a Committee comprising of independent and impartial persons including experts in the field of Agriculture

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) December 17, 2020
December 17, 2020, 19:20:56 (IST)
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Protest should be allowed to continue without breach of peace: SC order

The Supreme Court says it will not interfere with the farmers protest against three farms laws. “We’re of the view at this stage that the farmers’ protest should be allowed to continue without impediment and without any breach of peace either by the protesters or police,” the order said.  “Indeed the right to protest is part of a fundamental right and can as a matter of fact, be exercised subject to public order,” LiveLaw quotes the court as saying.

Read Today's #SupremeCourt Order in #FarmersProtest case

"We are of the view at this stage that the farmers’ protest should be allowed to continue without impediment and without any breach of peace either by the protesters or the police" pic.twitter.com/Zp13K7t2gJ

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) December 17, 2020
December 17, 2020, 19:08:03 (IST)
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White lies being peddled by those with vested political interests, alleges Tomar

In the letter, Tomar alleged that those with vested political interests were spreading “white lies” about issues like continuation of MSP, APMCs and about contract farming in India. The minister reiterated that the government was ready to provide a written assurance on MSP and said that state governments can be allowed to levy tax on private markets outside the APMCs.

आप विश्वास रखिये, किसानों के हितों में किये गए ये सुधार भारतीय कृषि में नए अध्याय की नींव बनेंगे, देश के किसानों को और स्वतंत्र करेंगे, सशक्त करेंगे। pic.twitter.com/bwA17HXph3

— Narendra Singh Tomar (@nstomar) December 17, 2020
December 17, 2020, 18:56:41 (IST)
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Agri minister pens open letter to protesting farmers

Union Agriculture Narendra Singh Tomar penned an eight-page open letter to farmers agitating against the Centre’s three farm laws, requesting them to not believe in the “white lies” being spread by some people that MSP will be stopped. In the letter, Tomar claimed that new laws have created a ray of hope amongst many farmers and examples of the new laws benefitting farmers have also been seen across the country. However, he said, myths are being created among different organisations about these laws.  “As the agriculture minister of the country, my duty is to dispel the confusion and anxiety faced by every farmer.  A wall of lies and conspiracies is being created between the Centre and farmers and its is my responsibility to bring forward the truth and reality before you”.

सभी किसान भाइयों और बहनों से मेरा आग्रह !

"सबका साथ सबका विकास सबका विश्वास" के मंत्र पर चलते हुए प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी के नेतृत्व में हमारी सरकार ने बिना भेदभाव सभी का हित करने का प्रयास किया है। विगत 6 वर्षों का इतिहास इसका साक्षी है।#ModiWithFarmers pic.twitter.com/Ty6GchESUG

— Narendra Singh Tomar (@nstomar) December 17, 2020
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December 17, 2020, 18:19:42 (IST)
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Delhi HC declines plea for providing aid, security and treatment to protesting farmers

The Delhi High Court declined to entertain a plea seeking aid, security and treatment of the farmers protesting on the borders of the national capital, saying a similar issue was before the Supreme Court. A bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan also said that the high court’s jurisdiction does not extend to areas outside the national capital territory and added that the same plea could have been filed in any of the high courts of Rajasthan, Punjab or Uttar Pradesh.

PTI

December 17, 2020, 17:53:55 (IST)
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Farmers to engage four SC lawyers: reports

The Sanyukta Kisam Morch, an umbrella body of around 40 farmers unions,  decides to form a four- member internal committee to deal with all issues arising from the Supreme Court’s intervention in the  farmers protest under the leadership of Balbir Singh Rajewal ( BKU, Rajewal), reports CNN-News18. As per reports, the farmers will  consult with four senior Supreme Court advocates-  Prashant Bhushan,Colin Golsalves, Dushyant Dave and HS Phoolka.

December 17, 2020, 17:37:27 (IST)
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Centre doesn’t seem to sympathise with protesters,says NCP

NCP leader Mahesh Tapse said some farmers have laid down their lives for the cause and the BJP government at the Centre “does not seem to be sympathising with the protesters”.Hence, the issue has to be resolved at the Parliament-level, he said.

December 17, 2020, 17:34:16 (IST)
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Convene special session of Parliament to address farmers’ concerns: NCP

The NCP demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi convene a special session of Parliament to address the  concerns of the agitating peasants.  “We are observing since the last 22 days that thousands of farmers are in the vicinity of Delhi and opposing the farm laws which were hurriedly passed (in Parliament) by the Modi government. The NCP demands that the Prime Minister convene a special session of Parliament, where the farmers concerns and apprehensions are addressed,” NCP chief spokesperson Mahesh Tapse said.

PTI

December 17, 2020, 17:25:27 (IST)
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Meeting at BJP HQ concludes

The BJP meeting about the farmers agitation at the party headquarter has drawn to an end, reports India Today. As per reports, Union home minister Amit Shah, and agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar have left from the venue. The meeting assumes significance on the backdrop of the issue of the farmers protest reaching the Supreme Court.

December 17, 2020, 17:08:21 (IST)
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Delhi Assembly passes resolution against farm laws

The Delhi Assembly passed a resolution calling for the Centre’s  three farm laws to be “repealed”, reported The Hindu. The resolution was tabled by Kaislah Gahlot in a special one-day session of the Assembly.  Kejriwal backed the  resolution saying he cannot betray the farmers. 

“I am pained that I have to do this. I did not intend to, but I cannot betray the farmers of my country who have been sleeping on the streets in the cold when the temperature is just 2 degrees Celsius,” Kejriwal said, while tearing copies of the three laws. “I am a citizen of this country first, a chief minister later. This assembly rejects the three laws and appeals to the central government to meet the demands of farmers,” he said.

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December 17, 2020, 16:37:11 (IST)
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Kejriwal tears copies of farm laws in Delhi Assembly

Questioning the need for passing the three farms laws “in a hurry” during the pandemic, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tore copies of the three farms laws in a special session of the Delhi Assembly. I"t has happened for first time that three laws were passed without voting in Rajya Sabha" he said. Kejriwal observed that on an average one farmer has died everyday since the agitation started and also referred to the suicide by a Sikh preacher on Wednesday and said, " “I want to ask Centre how many sacrifices farmers will have to make, to get their voices heard.”

What was the hurry to get Farm Laws passed in Parliament during pandemic? It has happened for 1st time that 3 laws were passed without voting in Rajya Sabha...I hereby tear 3 Farm laws in this assembly & appeal Centre not to become worst than Britishers: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal https://t.co/zvc2Dx1w3E pic.twitter.com/rUOACIQwp3

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2020
December 17, 2020, 16:25:33 (IST)
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Laws have been made for BJP’s election funds, alleges Arvind Kejriwal 

“The laws have not been made for farmers, they have been made for BJP’s funds for elections,” alleged Arvind Kejrwal in a special session of Delhi Assembly. Amid  “Dont become worse than the Britishers.. repeal the laws as it had been 20 days,” said the chief minister. “Every farmer has become Bhagat Singh. Govt is saying that they are reaching out to farmers and  trying to explain the benefits of Farm Bills. UP CM told farmers that they’ll benefit from these bills as their land won’t be taken away. Is this a benefit?,” ANI quotes him as saying.

December 17, 2020, 16:03:14 (IST)
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Narendra Singh Tomar hold meeting at BJP HQ, say reports

Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar is holding a meeting with BJP general secretraries over the farm laws, reported News18. As per the Times of India, Home Minister Amit Shah and commerce minister Piyush Goyal have also reached the meeting.

Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar meets BJP general secretaries over the farm reform laws.

HM Amit Shah expected to join the meeting.@payalmehta100 with the details.

Join the broadcast with @AnushaSoni23. pic.twitter.com/I98gWZUMVX

— News18 (@CNNnews18) December 17, 2020
December 17, 2020, 15:49:26 (IST)
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Ready for more talks, say farmers at Tikri border

Farmers who have been protesting at the Tikri border of Delhi have said say they’re ready for more talks with govt but  won’t stop their agitation, reported news agency ANI. 

Delhi: Protesting farmers at Tikri border (Haryana-Delhi border) say they're ready for more talks with govt but won't give up protest.

"We're ready for more rounds of talks. Govt is taking SC's help now so their ego is not hurt. Table talks should be shown live," says a farmer pic.twitter.com/ZUoDpzkut0

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2020
December 17, 2020, 15:34:21 (IST)
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Six farmer leaders issued notice in UP’s Sambhal

The Sambhal district administration in Uttar Pradesh has issued notices to six farmer leaders, including Bharatiya Kisan Union (Asli) district president Rajpal Singh Yadav and farmer leaders Jaiveer Singh, Brahmachari Yadav, Satendra Yadav, Raudas and Veer Singh, asking them to submit personal bonds of Rs 50,000 each, as a police report warned of breach of peace during the protest against the new farm laws, reported news agency PTI quoting an official. The leaders have been organising protests in the district over the Centre’s three contentious farm legislations.

“We’ve got a report from the Hayatnagar police station that some persons are inciting farmers and there can be breach of peace, and they should be asked to fill personal bonds of Rs 50 lakh each,” Subdivisional Magistrate Deependra Yadav said. The farmers said the amount was too much, following which the police station incharge gave another report and they were asked to submit personal bonds of Rs 50,000 each, according to Yadav. The notices have been issued under Section 111 ((magistrate order against any person who is likely to commit breach of peace) of the Code of Criminal Procedure on the basis of a report submitted by police, the official said.

December 17, 2020, 15:28:53 (IST)
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MP Cong to protest against fuel price, new farm laws on 19 Dec 

The Opposition Congress in Madhya  Pradesh will hold a statewide protest on Saturday against the rise in fuel prices and the Centre’s three new farm laws, news agency PTI quote s state party spokesman Bhupendra Gupta .Talking to PTI, Gupta claimed the prices of fuel and cooking gas have hit the roof and that farmers across the country want the agri laws to be repealed. “We are going to demonstrate near the statues of Mahatma Gandhi in the state on 19  December. Protests will be held at every district and block level,” he said.

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December 17, 2020, 15:21:53 (IST)
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Salons open for protestors at Singhu border

A ‘salon sewa’ was started on Wednesday by a Haryana-based youth at the Singhu border protest site, The Hindu reported. In a video shared by NDTV, a section set aside for haircuts for protestors by Kurukshetra-based Crazy Beauty Salon was seen.

December 17, 2020, 15:12:56 (IST)
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Narendra Modi to address farmers in Madhya Pradesh tomorrow

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Friday address farmers in Madhya Pradesh.

The PM’s address will begin at 2 pm via video link and will be telecast to around 23,000 villagers in the state. Earlier this week, Modi had also met farmers in Gujarat’s Kutch as protests against the agricultural laws continued for the third week amid failed talks between protestors and Centre.

December 17, 2020, 14:54:20 (IST)
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AAP MLA tears copy of farm laws in Delhi Assembly

AAP MLA Mahendra Goyal tore a copy of the Centre’s farm laws during a special Delhi assembly session called to discuss farmers’ agitation.

AAP has been a vocal critic of the farm laws and is among the parties that has supported the farmers’ protests. Delhi Chief Minister and party chief Arvind Kejriwal had last week alleged that he was kept under house arrest after meeting farmers at the Singhu border, a claim that the Centre denied.

Delhi: AAP MLA Mahendra Goyal tears copy of Centre's Farm Laws during a special Delhi assembly session called to discuss farmers' agitation.

"I refuse to accept these black laws which are against farmers,' he said while tearing the copy. pic.twitter.com/o4OQqvH5zS

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2020
December 17, 2020, 14:23:09 (IST)
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SC asks Centre to put implementation of agri reforms on hold

CJI SA Bobde said the matter will be heard by a vacation bench as no farmers’ associations were present in court.

The chief justice of India asked Centre to consider putting the controversial farm laws on hold. “Do not preempt and please consider the suggestion. In the meantime, serve notice to the farmer organisations.”

December 17, 2020, 14:12:16 (IST)
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Farmer dies near Tikri border

A 38-year-old farmer from Punjab was found dead at a protest site near the Tikri border on Thursday morning, police said.

Jai Singh, a resident of Tungwali village in Bathinda district, and his brother had been part of the farmers’ protest at the Haryana-Delhi border against the Centre’s three farm laws for the last several days, according to Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) leader Shingara Singh.

Jai Singh was found dead in the morning. The exact cause of the death could be ascertained after a post mortem, an official of the Bahadurgarh police in Haryana said.

December 17, 2020, 14:07:20 (IST)
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Leave it to police to determine number of farmers allowed at protest sites: SC

The Supreme Court said it is not possible for the court to determine the number of people who will gather at Delhi’s Ram Leela Maidan. “We cannot ask others to determine it too. We leave it for the police, not the govt or the political parties but with police,” said CJI Bobde.

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December 17, 2020, 13:50:06 (IST)
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Farmers have right to protest but can’t block city: CJI

“Blocking Delhi may lead to people in the city going hungry. Farmers’ purpose can be fulfilled by talking. Just sitting in protest won’t help,” said Chief Justice of India during a hearing on farm laws.

December 17, 2020, 13:33:20 (IST)
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Cannot extend right to protest to increase COVID-19 risk in Delhi: Harish Salve

Advocate Harish Salve, appearing for one of the petitioners, expressed concern over the crowding at protest sites in Delhi that might increase COVID-19 risk in the city.

“Today in COVD-19 times if you are increasing the risk of putting my life in danger. You cannot extend this right (to protest) in doing so,” he said.

December 17, 2020, 13:26:41 (IST)
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Recognise right to protest but it cannot affect other Fundamental Rights: SC

The Supreme Court on Thursday said its recognises the Fundamental Right to protest against a law, but at the same time that cannot affect other Fundamental Rights or Right to Life of others, reported Live Law. 

The apex court is hearing a batch of petitions seeking the removal of farmers protesting at the borders of Delhi. 

Advocate Harish Salve, appearing for one of the petitioners, argued, “No right is absolute. From right to protest to right to movement. The content of right to free speech, it includes the right to no but it cannot extend to right to privacy. Right to protest does not extend to deny others to exercise their rights.” he added, “Fundamental right to protest cannot extend to holding a city to ransom.”

CJI : One thing we will make it clear. We recognize the fundamental right to protest against a law. But that cannot affect other fundamental rights and right to life of others.#FarmersProtest #SupremeCourt

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) December 17, 2020
December 17, 2020, 13:10:10 (IST)
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Question of validity of new farm reforms can wait: SC

“We will not decide the validity of the laws today. The first and the only thing we will decide today is regarding the farmers protest and the fundamental right of citizens to move. The question of validity of laws can wait,” said Chief Justice of India SA Bobde on Thursday.

December 17, 2020, 13:03:22 (IST)
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Will speak to farmers about altering nature of protest: CJI

“We recognize that the farmers have a right to protest. But we are on the mode of protesting.  We will ask the Union what can be done to alter the nature of protesting which will ensure that rights of others are not affected,” said CJI SA Bobde on Thursday while hearing batch of petitions seeking removal of farmers from protest sites in Delhi.

December 17, 2020, 12:46:33 (IST)
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Prashant Bhushan to represent farmers in SC today, says report

Lawyers Vineet Parikh, Prashant Bhushan, Colin Gonsalves and Dushyant Dave will represent the farmers in Supreme Court on Thursday during the hearing of petitions seeking direction to the authorities to remove protesters from several border points of Delhi, reported India Today.

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December 17, 2020, 12:33:06 (IST)
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Farm union leaders to meet at 2 pm, says report

According to a media report, farmer union leaders will conduct a meeting at 2 pm on Thursday. Earlier today, a Bhartiya Kisan Union leader had said they did not receive a notice from the Supreme Court yet. 

Farmer leaders to hold a key meeting at 2 pm today. Solution in sight?@rupashreenanda with the details.

Join the broadcast with @AnushaSoni23. pic.twitter.com/XZnfCLpuAM

— News18 (@CNNnews18) December 17, 2020
December 17, 2020, 12:19:09 (IST)
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Kejriwal condoles death of Sikh preacher near Singhu border

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal condoled the death of a Sikh preacher, who allegedly died by suicide near the Singhu border on Wednesday, being unable to bear the plight of agitating farmers.

Sant Ram Singh (65), who hailed from Singhra village in Nissing area of Karnal district, allegedly shot himself.

“The news of Sant Baba Ram Singh ji suicide is very painful. Sympathies to his family in this hour of grief. Our farmer is just asking for his right, the government should listen to the farmers and withdraw the three black laws,” Kejriwal tweeted.

December 17, 2020, 12:14:10 (IST)
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Need due representation in proposed panel, says apex trade body to union ministers

The Confederation of All India Traders has written to Union Ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Piyush Goyal in reference to the directions given by Supreme Court on Wednesday regarding formation of a committee to resolve farmers’ bill impasse.

“We have written to Union Ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Piyush Goyal for giving due representation in the proposed panel,” said the apex body of trading community of India.

December 17, 2020, 11:53:21 (IST)
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Discussed farmers’ stir against agri laws with Jaishankar: Dominic Raab

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Wednesday said he discussed the protests by farmers against the three new agri laws with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar but also noted the UK respects the fact that the agricultural reforms initiated by India were its domestic matter.

Asked about the UK’s position on the raging protests by farmers at the border points of Delhi and whether he raised the issue during his talks with Indian leaders as demanded by several British parliamentarians, he said the matter was discussed with Jaishankar.

“I discussed the situation with Foreign Minister Jaishankar. Obviously, we respect the fact that the reforms going through your system here are domestic reforms. Of course, they have elicited the protests that you refer to, and your politics, in some sense because of the Indian diaspora in Britain, is our politics,” Raab said.

Farmers Protest LATEST Updates: The Supreme Court says it will not interfere with the farmers protest against three farms laws. “We’re of the view at this stage that the farmers’ protest should be allowed to continue without impediment and without any breach of peace either by the protesters or police,” the order said.

In its order, the top court said it considers it appropriate to constitute a committee of impartial persons, including experts on agriculture, and seek suggestions from farmers’ groups and the Centre

Union Agriculture Narendra Singh Tomar penned an eight-page open letter to farmers agitating against the Centre’s three farm laws, requesting them to not believe in the “white lies” being spread by some people that MSP will be stopped.

“As the agriculture minister of the country, my duty is to dispel the confusion and anxiety faced by every farmer.  A wall of lies and conspiracies is being created between the Centre and farmers around Delhi and other areas and its is my responsibility to bring forward the truth and reality before you,” he said. The Sanyukta Kisan Morch has decided to form a four- member internal committee to deal with all issues arising from the Supreme Court’s intervention in the farmers protest under the leadership of Balbir Singh Rajewal ( BKU, Rajewal), reports CNN-News18. As per reports, the farmers will consult with four senior Supreme Court advocates- Prashant Bhushan,Colin Golsalves, Dushyant Dave and HS Phoolka. The NCP  demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi convene a special session of Parliament to address the concerns of the agitating peasants.  NCP spokesperson Mahesh Tapse said some farmers have laid down their lives for the cause but the BJP government at the Centre “does not seem to be sympathising” with the protesting farmers. Hence, the issue has to be resolved at the Parliament-level, he said. Meanwhile, a meeting at the BJP headquarters attended by top leaders including Amit Shah and Narendra Singh Tomar concluded. In a special session of the Delhi Assembly called to discuss the farmers protest, Arvind Kejriwal backed a resolution to reject the three farms laws, which he alleged were brought in to facilitate BJP’s election funding. Questioning the Centre’s haste to pass the three controversial laws, the Delhi chief minister tore copies of the reforms in the Assembly. “The Delhi Assembly today rejected all thee farm laws and has appealed to the Central government that it should take back these black laws,” Kejriwal told reporters after the session. Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar is holding a meeting with BJP general secretraries over the farm laws, reported News18. As per the Times of India, Home Minister Amit Shah and commerce minister Piyush Goyal have also reached the meeting. The Sambhal district administration in Uttar Pradesh has issued notices to six farmer leaders asking them to submit personal bonds of Rs 50,000 each, as a police report warned of breach of peace during the protest against the new farm laws. reported PTI quoting an official. “We’ve got a report from the Hayatnagar police station that some persons are inciting farmers and there can be breach of peace,” said Subdivisional Magistrate Deependra Yadav. AAP MLA Mahendra Goyal tore a copy of the Centre’s farm laws during a special Delhi assembly session called to discuss farmers’ agitation. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court said it is not possible for the court to determine the number of people who will gather at Delhi’s Ram Leela Maidan. We recognize the fundamental right to protest against the laws and no question to curtail it. The only thing we can look into is that it should not cause damage to someone’s life, said CJI on Thursday. The bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde said that that it will not decide on the constitutional validity of the three farms laws as of now. The farmers’ agitation against the Centre’s new agri reform laws has entered 22nd day on Thursday. The Supreme Court will resume hearing a batch of pleas seeking direction to the authorities to immediately remove the farmers who are protesting at several border points of Delhi against the three farm reform laws. Observing that the Centre’s talks with the protesting farmers have “not worked apparently” and were bound to fail, the Supreme Court on Wednesday stepped in and indicated forming a panel to break the three-week long deadlock, but the farm leaders dismissed the move as no solution. The top court also said the agitation may soon become a national issue. As the protests at the border points of Delhi for the repeal of the three new farm laws entered the 21st day, police said a Sikh preacher supporting the agitation allegedly committed suicide near the Singhu border. A handwritten note in Punjabi, purportedly left behind by the deceased, says he was unable to bear the “pain of farmers”. The note is being verified by the police. An official of the Sonipat police said they had received a call that Sant Ram Singh (65), who hailed from Singhra village in Nissing area of Karnal district, allegedly shot himself. He was rushed to a hospital in Panipat where doctors declared him brought dead. With the government and the leaders of the protesting farmers unable to break the impasse, a three-judge bench of the top court headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde mooted a committee to resolve the dispute. “We will form a committee to resolve the dispute. We will have members of the government, members from farmer organisations in it. This may soon become a national issue. We will have members from farmer organisations from rest of India,” the court said. The parties involved were also asked to propose a list of names of committee members. Multiple pleas have been filed in the top court seeking a direction to authorities to immediately remove the protesting farmers, saying commuters are facing hardships due to the road blockades and the gatherings might lead to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. The apex court issued notices to the Centre on the petitions which also sought an amicable solution of the dispute. During a hearing conducted via video conferencing, the bench directed the petitioners to make protesting farmer unions parties to the pleas and posted the matter for hearing on Thursday. The court told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, “Your negotiations have not worked apparently.” “It is bound to fail. You are saying you are willing to negotiate,” the bench told Mehta, who replied, “Yes, we are willing to talk to farmers.” When the apex court asked the solicitor general, who was representing the Centre to give names of the farmer organisations, which are blocking the roads on Delhi borders, he said he can provide the names of those with whom government is holding discussions. “There are members of Bharatiya Kisan Union and other organisations who are talking to the government”, Mehta said, adding that government is talking with the protesting farmer organisations and he can give those names to the court. He also said “now, it appears that others have taken over the farmers’ protest.” Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, who is leading the government side in the negotiations, meanwhile, said the ongoing agitation at Delhi’s border points is limited to one state and farmers of Punjab are being “misled” by the Opposition. He, however, expressed hope that there will be a solution “soon” to the ongoing impasse. Protesting farmer unions said constituting a new panel to break the stalemate on the three new agri laws is not a solution as they want a complete withdrawal of the legislations. They also said the government should have formed a committee of farmers and others before the laws were enacted by Parliament. Abhimanyu Kohar, a leader of the Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sabha which is one of the 40 protesting farmer unions, said they have already rejected a recent government offer to form such a panel. Taking to Twitter, Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav, who is also a member of umbrella group Sankyukt Kisan Morcha, said, “The SC can and must decide on the constitutionality of the three farm acts. But it is not for the judiciary to decide on the feasibility and desirability of these laws. That’s between the farmers and their elected leaders. SC monitored negotiation would be a wrong path.” Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan), which has been leading the agitation at Tikri border, said that there would be no meaning of a new committee now. The Sanyukt Kisan Morcha wrote a letter to the Centre asking it to stop holding “parallel talks” with other farmer bodies over the contentious legislations. With the government saying that it is waiting for the reply of farmer leaders, the Morcha said there was no question of responding as they had made their stand clear in the last round of meeting with Union ministers that they want the laws to be repealed. In the letter to Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Joint Secretary Vivek Aggarwal, the Morcha said the Centre should also stop “defaming” the ongoing protests being held against the farm laws. During the day, security arrangements were tightened at the Chilla border between Delhi and Noida as farmer union leaders threatened to completely block the key border point to press for their demands. Speaking to reporters in Gwalior and at a virtual conference, Tomar insisted that the new agriculture reforms will change the lives of the farmers. He also accused the Congress and Left parties of taking advantage of the farmers’ protest to malign the image of the government. “We are talking to farmer organisations and also those from Punjab. We will soon find a solution on the issue. The opposition is trying to mislead farmers, but it will not succeed,” Tomar said. Addressing a convention in Indore, his ministerial colleague Dharmendra Pradhan alleged that anti-Indian, feudalistic force was behind the agitation. He claimed this force was also against the concepts of ‘Bharatiyata’ (Indianness) and India’s self-reliance. Questioning the protest, he said, “Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has agreed to give a written guarantee that the system of procurement of crops at MSP will continue in the country. Then on what issue the farmers’ agitation is happening?” BJP’s Gujarat chief CR Paatil also alleged that the ongoing agitation was a planned conspiracy by the opposition parties to create anarchy in the country and to destabilise it. Hitting out at the Congress, he said, “Congress was in favour of these agricultural reforms when it was in power. But now, the opposition party is spreading falsehood and misguiding farmers. People need to identify such forces and remain cautious about their motives.” Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said the issues flagged by the agitating farmers can be solved in five minutes if Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself steps in. “The government can solve the issue in 30 minutes sitting with the (agitating) farmers, if it wants…I think the issue will be solved in five minutes if the prime minister himself intervenes,” he told PTI.

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