‘SC’s intervention unlikely to end stalemate; committee members being supportive of laws provocative’

The benign and well meaning intervention by the Supreme Court to resolve the crisis arising out of the farmers’ agitation against the farm laws is not likely to end the stalemate.

The farmers’ unions have publicly declared their opposition to a new Committee and are insisting on the repeal of farm laws. Clearly, a committee boycotted by the farmers will not serve its purpose nor can farmers be forced to appear before the committee. The composition of the committee comprising of members who have generally supported the laws is only provocative.

The issue is essentially one of policy involving a major political decision based on the broadest national consensus and is clearly a function of political rather than a judicial process. Even otherwise, the question of enforceability of its policy-related judgments concerning political sensitivities has caused enough embarrassment to the court in the past, apart from raising issues about the advisability of the top court entering the political thicket contrary to its own pronouncements.

The court’s order could result in prolonging the agitation given the public reaction of the farmers’ representatives.

The need of the moment is not to prolong the agitation but for the government to respond responsively to the sensitivities of farmers facing unconscionable hardships during the last several weeks.

(The author is a former Law Minister)