Engage with farmers, ensure Dallewal's well-being, directs SC

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday directed a court-appointed high-powered panel to engage with protesting farmers to persuade them to temporarily suspend their agitation or relocate it from highways along the Punjab-Haryana border, while ensuring that the well-being of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, whose fast-unto-death entered its 18th day, remains a top priority.

- Utkarsh Anand

A bench of justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan emphasised the constitutional right to protest but urged that it be conducted peacefully in line with "Gandhian principles". The court also highlighted the need to prevent violence and maintain public order.

"Let no force be used. Farmers should also agitate peacefully. Peace must be maintained," the bench observed.