The Delhi High Court made key decisions on Monday, addressing the long-standing blockade at the Singhu border, which has significantly disrupted traffic and public convenience.
The court disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking to lift the blockades present along National Highway 44 (NH-44) at the border, situated at the gateway to Punjab and Haryana. This blockade was initially set up during farmers' protests earlier this year, following failed negotiations between farmer organizations and the Indian government. While the protests have ceased, the barricades have remained, causing extensive inconvenience to commuters.
A bench led by Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela hinted at the possibility of the Delhi Police having "some intelligence input" concerning the blockades, which informed their decision not to order any immediate removal. The petitioners were advised to present their case directly to the Delhi Police Commissioner.
The petition was filed by Shankar Mor and two others, emphasizing the hours of delay faced by commuters who, under normal circumstances, could traverse the distance within minutes. They pointed out the persistence of traffic jams dating back to February 2024, unlike the original protests, during which they argued there are now no farmers present at the border.
Mor's counsel pointed out the decree's ramifications, stressing the need for timely medical access for residents of Haryana who often rely on Delhi's superior healthcare. "(There’s) not a single farmer at the border since February 2024… we filed the petition to address the public suffering due to this blockade,” they stated.
Chief Justice Manmohan raised concerns about why the petitioners had not made prior representations to the police, underscoring the importance of following correct procedures. He stated, "We don’t know what their (the police's) stance is," indicating the delicate balance of judicial intervention and law enforcement responsibility.
Following the court's direction, the petitioners were encouraged to approach the police commissioner with their grievances and seek the removal of the barricades. The bench allowed the request but concluded there was no basis to extend the matter any longer.
The prolonged blockade has transformed the daily commute for many, especially workers traveling from nearby regions like Panipat to Delhi and Gurugram. They are now forced to navigate poorly maintained ancillary roads, leading to hazardous travel conditions. Users of these routes have reported delays, primarily affecting those requiring emergency services.
While some segments of the highway were opened previously after negotiations, challenges remain for emergency medical services attempting to navigate through the congested alternative routes. The issue of public inconvenience was central to the petitioners’ legal strategy, with many residents deprived of efficient mobility and healthcare access.
The situation at Singhu perfectly exemplifies the challenges often posed by extended civil protests, where the remnants of these protests can hinder everyday life for countless ordinary citizens. Although the police have cited safety and logistical concerns surrounding the removal of the barricades, the public seems to be bearing the brunt of these restrictions.
Legal experts weighed the balance between maintaining public order during protests and ensuring civilian access to important services. This ruling underlines the necessity for timely assessments and actions by local law enforcement, especially if community wellbeing is affected.
The High Court’s decision emphasizes the autonomy and responsibility of the police to review and respond to community needs. It’s now left to the petitioners to escalate their concerns effectively to the appropriate legal and administrative authorities. Their plight highlights the importance of citizen engagement with local law enforcement to facilitate effective governance.
Moving forward, it will be important to observe how the police handle the representation and whether there is any shift in policy concerning the blockades at the Singhu border. The court has noted this matter requires proactive engagement from the police to alleviate the challenges imposed on commuters.
