New Delhi: Farmers protesting against three farm laws have agreed to remove blockade on National Highway 24 at the Ghazipur border on Thursday. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court during the hearing of a plea seeking end to road blockades at Delhi borders, said the farmers have the right to agitate but they cannot block roads indefinitely.
Rakesh Tikait, national spokesperson of Bharatiya Kisan Union, said, "We have removed our tents and have cleared the path. We have not blocked the road, but the police and government."
A bench headed by Justice S. K. Kaul said it was not against the right to protest even when the legal challenge is pending but ultimately some solution has to be found.
“Farmers have right to protest but they cannot keep roads blocked indefinitely. You may have a right to agitate in any manner but roads should not be blocked like this. People have right to go on roads but it cannot be blocked.” the bench, also comprising Justice M. M. Sundresh said.
Also read: For no road blocks, allow us at Ramlila Maidan: Farmers tell Supreme Court
The top court asked the farmer unions, who have been arrayed as parties in the case, to respond within three weeks on the issue and posted the matter for hearing on December 7.
The apex court was hearing a PIL filed by a Noida-resident Monicca Agarwal complaining of delays in daily commute caused due to the road blockade owing to the ongoing farmers' protests.
Farmers have been camping at Delhi borders to demand that the three agricultural laws be rolled back.
With agency input
