“Farmers’ protest. Supreme Court stays implementation of 3 controversial farm laws”, 12 January 2021

The Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the implementation of three controversial farm laws, calling its order “extraordinary” and a “victory for fair play”.

The laws are: The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act and The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act.

The stay on their implementation means the Centre cannot, for the time being, proceed with any executive actions to enforce the laws.

The court formed a four-member committee of experts “to listen to the grievances of the farmers on the farm laws and the views of the government and make recommendations”.

Chief Justice Bobde… [said:]

The court order made it clear that farmers’ bodies “shall” participate in the discussions of the committee.

“The representatives of all the farmers’ bodies, whether they are holding a protest or not and whether they support or oppose the laws shall participate in the deliberations of the committee and put forth their view points,” it directed.