The Punjab and Haryana High Courts today asked both states to record the "necessary orders" suspending internet access during the ongoing Farmer's Protest.
Referring to the Supreme Court's decision in Anuradha Bhasin v Union of India, the bench of Acting Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Lapita Banerji said "the law is very clear on suspension of internet" and directed both States "to place on record the necessary orders whereby internet was suspended."
The court was also informed about two PILs requesting a judicial investigation into the protester's demise on February 21. Additionally, the Punjab government was questioned regarding the delay in receiving the post-mortem report.
"Why are you (Punjab) taking a week to conduct the post-mortem? What inquest proceedings have you taken so far? Was it a natural death?", orally questioned Justice Sandhawalia, as quoted in Livelaw.
According to Live Law, Counsel for the Punjab government then informed the Court that a post-mortem was performed yesterday and the report is awaited. He also claimed that a "Zero-FIR" was filed in the case under Section 302 IPC.
The Union government also filed an affidavit, which the Court took on record, claiming that four rounds of meetings with farmer representatives had occurred. It was also submitted on affidavit that the Union Government has taken steps for the "betterment of the socio-economic status of the farmer community," including an increase in budget allocation and MSP at 50% over the cost of production. Farmers are protesting for a law that guarantees MSP, among other things. The Court was hearing a plea challenging the government's alleged obstructive actions and another plea seeking immediate action against the protest, among other related PILs.
Previously, ACJ GS Sandhawalia said that the Punjab Government ensure that protestors do not gather in large numbers; "They have the right to protest, but it must be subject to reasonable restrictions," the judge stated.
During the hearing, ACJ Sandhawalia objected to farmers using tractors and trolleys to protest. "According to Motor Vehicle Act, you cannot use tractors and trolleys on highway...you are travelling on your tractors and trolleys from Amritsar to Delhi.. everyone knows about their rights but there are also constitutional duties," the Additional Chief Justice (ACJ) said.
The matter has been scheduled for further consideration next week.
(Inputs from agencies)
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