Supreme Court Proposes Independent Committee to Address Farmers' Trust Deficit

Acknowledging a trust deficit between farmers and the government, the Supreme Court suggested forming an independent committee of eminent persons to mediate. A three-judge bench emphasized the need for a neutral umpire to build confidence and recommended status quo maintenance at the Shambhu border.

In response to the evident trust gap between farmers and the government, the Supreme Court proposed on Wednesday to form an independent committee comprising eminent individuals to mediate and find a solution to the farmers' demands.

Presided by Justice Surya Kant, a three-judge bench underscored the necessity of a 'neutral umpire' to bridge the confidence chasm between the aggrieved parties.

'Efforts are essential to engage with farmers directly. They would otherwise have no reason to converge in Delhi. Despite the best efforts by the Ministers, the trust deficit persists,' remarked the bench, also consisting of Justices Dipankar Datta and Ujjal Bhuyan.

The bench further instructed authorities to maintain status quo at the Shambhu border to avoid escalating tensions while awaiting appropriate directives within a week. The Supreme Court's intervention follows the Haryana government's plea against a high court order to remove barricades at the Shambhu border, where farmers have been stationed since February 13.