Farmers Protest Delh Live: SC slams Centre on farm laws, says ‘either you stay it or we will do it’

Farmers Protest Delh Live: SC slams Centre on farm laws, says ‘either you stay it or we will do it’

Farmers Protest Delh Live: SC slams Centre on farm laws, says ‘either you stay it or we will do it’

New Delhi : A Bench headed by 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.

Attorney General KK Venugopal tells the top court that farmers' organisations had rejected various offers made by the government.

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."

Farmers Protest Delh Live: SC slams Centre on farm laws, says ‘either you stay it or we will do it’

Farmers Protest Delh Live: SC slams Centre on farm laws, says ‘either you stay it or we will do it’

"Our intention is clear. We want an amicable solution to the problem. That is why we asked you last time, why don't you keep the laws on hold? But you keep asking for time. We are not on the merits of the law. We are not on repeal. This is a very delicate situation."

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.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said, "We are part of the solution... We have many farmers' organisations coming to us and telling that the farm laws are progressive. Rest of the farmers have no difficulty."

The CJI pointed out that "we don't have any single petition before us saying that the laws are good." He said if the laws are beneficial, let the vast majority of country tell the committee (to be set up by SC).

The CJI threatened to stay the laws if the government did not do so on its own. "People are committing suicide. People are calling names. People are suffering in cold and pandemic situation," said the CJI-led Bench.

The hearing is still underway.