Why protest when farm laws are stayed,SC asks farmers

The Supreme Court on Monday questioned the rationale behind farmers' protest against the three farm laws, saying it had already stayed the laws in question. "We have stayed the farm laws. There is nothing to be implemented. What are the farmers' protesting about? No one other than the court can decide the validity of the farm laws. When that is so, and when farmers are in court challenging the laws, why protest on street?" a Bench led by Justice AM Khanwilkar and CT Ravikumar wondered.

The Apex Court asked the farmer organisations, “Against whom are you protesting? How can the executive allow these protests? What is the validity of these protests?” "When you have already filed a petition before a court challenging the Acts or action of the Executive, how can you then protest? Who are you protesting against? How can the Executive allow these protests? What is the validity of these protests?" the top court asked the farmer unions. As Attorney General KK Venugopal mentioned that an unfortunate incident" happened at Lakhimpur on Sunday, Justice Khanwilkar said, "Nobody takes responsibility when such events happen." Once matter is subjudice how will protest go on on same issue?" the Bench noted after Venugopal said that a large other petitions had also been filed.

The Bench was hearing a petition filed by Kisan Mahapanchayat seeking directions to the Centre, Delhi Lt. Governor and Delhi Police Commissioner to allow it to stage ‘satyagraha’ at Jantar Mantar in the national capital. "We are on principle, once you go to court and challenge an Executive action, how can the same party say that matter is before court, nevertheless I will still protest?" noted the Bench which had on October 1 pulled up farmers' unions for blocking of roads even after approaching the top court and had reminded them that citizens had equal rights to move freely without fear.