On Wednesday, the Supreme Court highlighted the “deep trust deficit” among the central government, state governments, and farmers. It recommended forming an independent committee to tackle the farmers’ demands, including a legal assurance for minimum support prices (MSP) for crops.

A bench led by Justice Surya Kant instructed the Central and the Haryana and Punjab state governments to propose names for this committee. Additionally, it ordered a one-week status quo on the Shambhu border near Ambala, where farmers have been stationed since February 13, and which has been closed off.

“We have impressed upon the parties to have instructions regarding the constitution of an independent committee, comprising such eminent persons who can reach out to farmers and other stakeholders, in order to find out viable solution to their demands that can be fair, just and in the interests of one and all. The states of Punjab and Haryana can suggest some names or else they can leave it to us to find out some suitable persons,” the court order said.

“You have to take some initiatives to reach out to farmers. Why would they otherwise want to come to Delhi or agitate? You are sending ministers from here and despite their best intentions there is a trust deficit. They will think you are only thinking about self-interests and ignoring local issues,” the bench told solicitor general Tushar Mehta.

The Supreme Court was reviewing a plea from the Haryana government, which contested a March 7 ruling by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The High Court had established a committee led by a former judge to investigate the death of farmer Shubhkaran Singh during a February confrontation between protesting farmers and Haryana security forces.

The Supreme Court had previously declined to block the High Court’s decision on April 1. Recently, the Haryana government submitted another petition challenging the Punjab and Haryana HC’s July 10 ruling, which mandated that the highway be reopened within a week.

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In February, the Haryana government erected barricades on the Ambala-New Delhi national highway in response to a planned march by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. The march was intended to advocate for various demands, including a legal guarantee for MSP on crops.

“As a welfare state, you have to make efforts. Some of the demands could be genuine, some may not be acceptable. Some neutral persons, who could communicate when they are wrong and when they are right, are needed,” court said.

“You also can’t block a national block for all times to come. It’s been almost a year. Various high court orders have said you can’t block national highways...it’s a case of deep trust deficit,” the court added.

The court, however, stressed the need for dialogue and mutual trust in resolving contentious issues. “We do not want a fight between Punjab and Haryana... We are proposing a committee to reach out to farmers with consensus of states and the Union of India...to talk to them, get their viewpoints, know and tell them where they are right and wrong,” it said.

<h2>Farmers vow to march to Delhi after meeting Rahul Gandhi at Parliament</h2>

Farmers protesting for changes to the MSP (minimum support price) policy met with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in the Parliament complex on Wednesday morning.

"Rahul Gandhi will raise the voice of farmers inside Parliament," Amrinder Singh Raja Warring told NDTV. Regarding the farmers' potential plan for another march to Delhi, he stated, "They have all rights to come to Delhi and protest (and) if a private member's bill is required then we will bring that too."

Farmer representative Jagjit Singh Dallewal expressed disappointment in the government's unfulfilled promises. "Swaminathan report implementation is a must. We will continue our march towards Delhi," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court highlighted the “deep trust deficit” among the central government, state governments, and farmers. It recommended forming an independent committee to tackle the farmers’ demands, including a legal assurance for minimum support prices (MSP) for crops.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court highlighted the “deep trust deficit” among the central government, state governments, and farmers. It recommended forming an independent committee to tackle the farmers’ demands, including a legal assurance for minimum support prices (MSP) for crops. A bench led by Justice Surya Kant instructed the Central and the Haryana and Punjab state governments to propose names for this committee. Additionally, it ordered a one-week status quo on the Shambhu border near Ambala, where farmers have been stationed since February 13, and which has been closed off. “We have impressed upon the parties to have instructions regarding the constitution of an independent committee, comprising such eminent persons who can reach out to farmers and other stakeholders, in order to find out viable solution to their demands that can be fair, just and in the interests of one and all. The states of Punjab and Haryana can suggest some names or else they can leave it to us to find out some suitable persons,” the court order said. “You have to take some initiatives to reach out to farmers. Why would they otherwise want to come to Delhi or agitate? You are sending ministers from here and despite their best intentions there is a trust deficit. They will think you are only thinking about self-interests and ignoring local issues,” the bench told solicitor general Tushar Mehta. The Supreme Court was reviewing a plea from the Haryana government, which contested a March 7 ruling by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The High Court had established a committee led by a former judge to investigate the death of farmer Shubhkaran Singh during a February confrontation between protesting farmers and Haryana security forces. The Supreme Court had previously declined to block the High Court’s decision on April 1. Recently, the Haryana government submitted another petition challenging the Punjab and Haryana HC’s July 10 ruling, which mandated that the highway be reopened within a week. Also read: 'Fine up to $120k, 10 years in jail,' Bihar brings anti-paper leak bill In February, the Haryana government erected barricades on the Ambala-New Delhi national highway in response to a planned march by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. The march was intended to advocate for various demands, including a legal guarantee for MSP on crops. “As a welfare state, you have to make efforts. Some of the demands could be genuine, some may not be acceptable. Some neutral persons, who could communicate when they are wrong and when they are right, are needed,” court said. “You also can’t block a national block for all times to come. It’s been almost a year. Various high court orders have said you can’t block national highways...it’s a case of deep trust deficit,” the court added. The court, however, stressed the need for dialogue and mutual trust in resolving contentious issues. “We do not want a fight between Punjab and Haryana... We are proposing a committee to reach out to farmers with consensus of states and the Union of India...to talk to them, get their viewpoints, know and tell them where they are right and wrong,” it said. Farmers vow to march to Delhi after meeting Rahul Gandhi at Parliament Farmers protesting for changes to the MSP (minimum support price) policy met with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in the Parliament complex on Wednesday morning. "Rahul Gandhi will raise the voice of farmers inside Parliament," Amrinder Singh Raja Warring told NDTV. Regarding the farmers' potential plan for another march to Delhi, he stated, "They have all rights to come to Delhi and protest (and) if a private member's bill is required then we will bring that too." Farmer representative Jagjit Singh Dallewal expressed disappointment in the government's unfulfilled promises. "Swaminathan report implementation is a must. We will continue our march towards Delhi," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

India's Supreme Court calls for independent committee amidst ‘deep trust deficit’ in farmers’ protests

Indian farmers are resuming their agitation. Farmers will be heading towards New Delhi. Farmers' unions gave a clarion call to farmers from all over the country to reach Jantar Mantar on March 6.

Farmers Protest: Farmer Union says, 'March to press government to accept demand'

Farmers protest: Farmers to start marching towards Delhi, police steps up vigil at Tikri, Singhu

Farmers now plan to march towards the National Capital resuming the 'Dilli Chalo' march after spending days at the Punjab and Haryana border following clashes that injured several farmers and policemen.

Farmers protest: After four rounds of 'inconclusive' talks, protests to intensify

The ongoing 'Dilli Chalo' march by farmers at the Punjab-Haryana border has surpassed 15 days, marking a prolonged standoff between protesting farmers and government authorities. Amidst this protracted agitation, the toll of casualties has escalated, with six reported deaths.

Among the dead&nbsp;is Karnail Singh, a 62-year-old farmer hailing from Arno village in Patiala district of&nbsp;Punjab. Karnail succumbed to a lung infection allegedly triggered by tear gas shell firing by the Haryana Police on February 21 at the Khanauri border protest site, as reported by the Indian Express.&nbsp;His son Gurpreet Singh recounted his father's unwavering commitment to the protest despite deteriorating health since his involvement on February 13.

<h2>Activism and struggle</h2>

Karnail Singh was an active member of Bharatiya Kisan Union Krantikari, and was advocating for farmers' rights.

The five other fatalities include Darshan Singh, Gyan Singh, Manjit Singh, and Narinder Pal Singh.&nbsp;These five also lost their lives during the protests due to various health complications, including cardiac arrest.

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The Punjab government has pledged a compensation of Rs 5 lakh ($6k) to the families of the deceased farmers, yet formal announcements remain pending.

<h2>Demands and determination</h2>

The protests, organised under the banners of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Samyukta Kisan Morcha, are focusing on a unified front in demanding a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) among other reforms including loan waiver.

Also watch |&nbsp;Indian foreign &amp; finance ministers to contest Lok Sabha polls

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-foreign-finance-ministers-to-contest-lok-sabha-polls-india-general-elections-2024-694325/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The insistence on holding Haryana government officials accountable for the casualties further underscores the gravity of the farmers' grievances.

The toll extends to a police officer, Dilpreet Singh, a DSP from Malerkotla, who succumbed to a cardiac arrest amidst the heightened tensions at the protest site.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The ongoing 'Dilli Chalo' march by farmers at the Punjab-Haryana border has surpassed 15 days, marking a prolonged standoff between protesting farmers and government authorities.

The ongoing 'Dilli Chalo' march by farmers at the Punjab-Haryana border has surpassed 15 days, marking a prolonged standoff between protesting farmers and government authorities. Amidst this protracted agitation, the toll of casualties has escalated, with six reported deaths. Among the dead is Karnail Singh, a 62-year-old farmer hailing from Arno village in Patiala district of Punjab. Karnail succumbed to a lung infection allegedly triggered by tear gas shell firing by the Haryana Police on February 21 at the Khanauri border protest site, as reported by the Indian Express. His son Gurpreet Singh recounted his father's unwavering commitment to the protest despite deteriorating health since his involvement on February 13. Activism and struggle Karnail Singh was an active member of Bharatiya Kisan Union Krantikari, and was advocating for farmers' rights. The five other fatalities include Darshan Singh, Gyan Singh, Manjit Singh, and Narinder Pal Singh. These five also lost their lives during the protests due to various health complications, including cardiac arrest. Also read | Modi's Kerala visit: Indian PM to inaugurate three major ISRO facilities The Punjab government has pledged a compensation of Rs 5 lakh ($6k) to the families of the deceased farmers, yet formal announcements remain pending. Demands and determination The protests, organised under the banners of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Samyukta Kisan Morcha, are focusing on a unified front in demanding a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) among other reforms including loan waiver. Also watch | Indian foreign & finance ministers to contest Lok Sabha polls The insistence on holding Haryana government officials accountable for the casualties further underscores the gravity of the farmers' grievances. The toll extends to a police officer, Dilpreet Singh, a DSP from Malerkotla, who succumbed to a cardiac arrest amidst the heightened tensions at the protest site. (With inputs from agencies)

Farmers’ protest: ‘Dilli Chalo’ march toll rises to six as another farmer dies

As farmers protest the need for policy reforms and Minimum Support Price, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled a plan to address longstanding challenges in india's agricultural sector. With a focus on enhancing storage infrastructure, modi's initiative aims to bolster the cooperative sector.

PM Modi unveils $15 billion plan for world's largest grain storage

The protesting farmers in India have decided to pause their 'Delhi Chalo' March. This, after days of negotiations with the government, finally resulted in some headway. During the fourth round of talks with the farm leaders, the government proposed a five-year MSP plan. The farmers say they are seeking advice on the latest measures announced by the government.

Farmers Protest: Proposals not in interest of farmers, they have rejected offer, says Union Leaders

Govt agrees to give MSP on four more crops apart from Paddy & Wheat

Farmers are marching towards Delhi once again over unmet demands, reigniting concerns two years after their historic protest. What's driving this renewed agitation? What are their core demands? Vikram Chandra speaks to Ashok Gulati, Agricultural Economist and Professor at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations on The India Story.

Farmers Protest 2.0: Why do farmers want a law for MSP for crops?

Protests by farmers, primarily from Punjab and Haryana, have intensified at the Shambhu border as they clashed with the police in an attempt to cross over to Delhi. The farmers are demanding that the Centre guarantee minimum support prices (MSP) for their crops. These protests have seen escalating tensions, with instances of violence breaking out as farmers clashed with law enforcement.

Farmers Protest: Third round of talks between farmer leaders, government fail

Numerous significant farmers' unions have pledged their support to the farmer unions protesting at the borders of Shambhu and Khanauri in Punjab. The Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ugrahan) and BKU Dakaunda (Dhaner faction) have announced a "rail roko" (stop trains) in the state on Thursday, February 15, between 12 noon and 4 pm.

Farmers protest: Farmers on railway strike in Punjab, 3 Union Min to meet with farmers in Chandigarh

The farmers from Punjab called for a march to the capital city after the five-hour meeting with the cabinet ministers remained inconclusive. The protesters have been demanding a law guaranteeing minimum support prices for crops, besides a host of other demands.

The ministers failed to reach any resolution on the main demands of the farmers, one of them being a law to guarantee a Minimum Support Price for all crops. India's Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, along with Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal held the meeting with the farmers.&nbsp;

After 11 pm local time on Feb 12 (Monday), both sides agreed to repeal the Electricity Act 2020 and also decided on the withdrawal of cases filed against farmers during the movement as well as compensation to farmers who were killed in Lakhimpur Kheri in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

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However, they failed to reach a consensus on three key demands - farmer loan waiver, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations and enactment of a law for guaranteeing a Minimum Support Price for all crops.&nbsp;

<h2>How does the current protest differ from the past one?&nbsp;</h2>

1. In 2020, the farmers were protesting against the three laws which were finally repealed in 2021.

In 2023, 'Delhi Chalo' protest was announced with the demand of a legal guarantee to MSP for all crops, full debt waiver for farmers, withdrawal of cases filed against farmers during the 2020-21 protest, the implementation of Swaminathan Commission's formula and pension for farmers and labourers.&nbsp;

2. Various unions have been spearheading the farmers' protest 2.0 as the landscape of the farmers' unions has changed in the last few years.&nbsp;Delhi Chalo 2.0 has been announced by Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.

Samyukt Kisan Morcha and Bharatiya Kisan Union, which led the 2020 protest of farmers, have since split into several factions.

Watch:&nbsp;Farmers Protest: Over 250 farmer unions participating in ongoing agitation

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/farmers-protest-over-250-farmer-unions-participating-in-ongoing-agitation-689843/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

3. Rakesh Tikait and Gurnam Singh Charuni were the two main leaders who led the 2020 protest. However, they have been missing from the current protest. 
Sarwan Singh Pandher, general secretary of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee and Jagjit Singh Dallewal, leader of SKM (non-political) are at the forefront now.

4. In 2020, the farmers had entered the national capital. However, this time the administration has adopted strict pre-emptive measures to stop them from entering Delhi. They have used nails on roads, cement barricades and barbed wire to block all roads to Delhi. The government has imposed Section 144 across the capital. The Haryana government has also sealed its borders along with Punjab.

5. The negotiation process before the start of the farmers' Delhi Chalo march was initiated by the government.&nbsp;

6.&nbsp;This time, the protesting farmers are flying kites in a bid to counter the drones deployed to drop tear gas canisters on them by police officials. They are also using barricade-proof modified tractors, and gas masks and avoiding roads and fording rivers and streams.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The farmers from Punjab called for a march to the capital city after the five-hour meeting with the cabinet ministers remained inconclusive. The protesters have been demanding a law guaranteeing minimum support prices for crops, besides a host of other demands.

The farmers from Punjab called for a march to the capital city after the five-hour meeting with the cabinet ministers remained inconclusive. The protesters have been demanding a law guaranteeing minimum support prices for crops, besides a host of other demands. The ministers failed to reach any resolution on the main demands of the farmers, one of them being a law to guarantee a Minimum Support Price for all crops. India's Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, along with Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal held the meeting with the farmers. After 11 pm local time on Feb 12 (Monday), both sides agreed to repeal the Electricity Act 2020 and also decided on the withdrawal of cases filed against farmers during the movement as well as compensation to farmers who were killed in Lakhimpur Kheri in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Also Read: Farmers protest: Kejriwal government declines Centre's appeal to turn stadium into jail However, they failed to reach a consensus on three key demands - farmer loan waiver, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations and enactment of a law for guaranteeing a Minimum Support Price for all crops. How does the current protest differ from the past one? 1. In 2020, the farmers were protesting against the three laws which were finally repealed in 2021. In 2023, 'Delhi Chalo' protest was announced with the demand of a legal guarantee to MSP for all crops, full debt waiver for farmers, withdrawal of cases filed against farmers during the 2020-21 protest, the implementation of Swaminathan Commission's formula and pension for farmers and labourers. 2. Various unions have been spearheading the farmers' protest 2.0 as the landscape of the farmers' unions has changed in the last few years. Delhi Chalo 2.0 has been announced by Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. Samyukt Kisan Morcha and Bharatiya Kisan Union, which led the 2020 protest of farmers, have since split into several factions. Watch: Farmers Protest: Over 250 farmer unions participating in ongoing agitation 3. Rakesh Tikait and Gurnam Singh Charuni were the two main leaders who led the 2020 protest. However, they have been missing from the current protest. Sarwan Singh Pandher, general secretary of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee and Jagjit Singh Dallewal, leader of SKM (non-political) are at the forefront now. 4. In 2020, the farmers had entered the national capital. However, this time the administration has adopted strict pre-emptive measures to stop them from entering Delhi. They have used nails on roads, cement barricades and barbed wire to block all roads to Delhi. The government has imposed Section 144 across the capital. The Haryana government has also sealed its borders along with Punjab. 5. The negotiation process before the start of the farmers' Delhi Chalo march was initiated by the government. 6. This time, the protesting farmers are flying kites in a bid to counter the drones deployed to drop tear gas canisters on them by police officials. They are also using barricade-proof modified tractors, and gas masks and avoiding roads and fording rivers and streams. (With inputs from agencies)

Here’s how farmers' protest 2.0 differs from the 2020 agitation: Six points

Protesters continue to march to Delhi after clashes on Shambhu border. Police fired tear gas on protesters on Punjab & Haryana border. Several injured in clashes between police and protesters. The Punjab government has issued an alert to hospitals near the Haryana border following injuries to farmers during clashes with the police at Shambhu and Khanauri borders.

Farmers Protest: Farmers continue march to Delhi after clashes on Shambhu border

Protesting farmers are persistently trying to approach the barricades set up near the Punjab-Haryana border by the Police. Section 144 has been imposed in the entire Delhi. Watch in for more details!