The ongoing standoff at the Shambhu Border, a crucial junction between Punjab and Haryana, has drawn the attention of the highest court in the land. Closed since February 2024 due to a fierce protest by farmers demanding a statutory guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) on crops, the border has become a flashpoint of agricultural discontent.
In response to a petition from the State of Haryana, the Supreme Court has stepped in, ordering the creation of a High-Powered Committee to engage directly with the protesting farmers. The division bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, emphasized the urgency of finding a resolution, urging the Committee to persuade the farmers to clear the blockade, which has caused significant disruption to the public.
The Supreme Court highlighted the plight of the agricultural communities in Punjab and Haryana, many of whom belong to marginalized groups and struggle with poverty. This recognition underscored the need for a neutral and empathetic body to address their concerns.
The newly formed Committee includes five distinguished members:
- Justice Nawab Singh, Former Judge of the Punjab & Haryana High Court
- PS Sandhu, IPS Retired, Former Director General of Haryana
- Devender Sharma, Professor of Eminence at GNCT Amritsar
- Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Agricultural Economist from Punjab Agriculture University
- Professor BR Kambhoj, Vice-Chancellor of Chaudhary Charan Singh Agriculture University, Hisar (as a Special Invitee)
The Committee’s first order of business is to appoint a member secretary who will coordinate the meetings, keep records, and outline the issues at hand. This member secretary is also tasked with presenting a report on the formulated issues within one week after consultations with the farmers.
As the situation remains tense, all eyes are on this High-Powered Committee to navigate the complex web of demands and negotiations, potentially paving the way for a peaceful resolution at the Shambhu Border.
