P&H High Court Seeks DGP's Response On Plea To Forward NOC For Withdrawing FIRs Against Protesting Farmers As Per Centre's Policy
The Punjab & Haryana High Court today sought response from Director General of Police (DGP), Central Government and other authorities on plea filed by farmers seeking direction to forward no-objection communication to the Ministry of Home Affairs for the withdrawal of FIRs registered against the protestors, in terms of Union's Policy issued in 2021.Justice Jasjit Singh Bedi while...
The Punjab & Haryana High Court today sought response from Director General of Police (DGP), Central Government and other authorities on plea filed by farmers seeking direction to forward no-objection communication to the Ministry of Home Affairs for the withdrawal of FIRs registered against the protestors, in terms of Union's Policy issued in 2021.
Justice Jasjit Singh Bedi while issuing notice to the authorities said, "it's a small thing, can be done."
28 Farmers moved the High Court stating that in response to the nationwide farmers' agitation against the three farm laws enacted in 2020, which were subsequently repealed via the Farmers Law Repeal Act, 2021, the Union Government had agreed not only to repeal the laws but also to withdraw all criminal cases and FIRs registered against protesting farmers.
Pursuant to this, a directive dated 09.12.2021 was issued by the Government of India, delegating powers to respective State Governments to withdraw such FIRs under Section 321 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, stated the plea.
It further added that following the directive, various states including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh. and others initiated the withdrawal process and the Petitioners, relying on the same understanding gave representation in 2022 to the senior Superintendent of Police, Chandigarh.
However, the procedure of withdrawal was stalled because NOC was not communicated to the Union Government, the petitioners stated.
"Despite repeated follow-ups, and a delay of over 2.5 years, the authorities have failed to act...this non-action is a violation of their fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution, and frustrates the promise made by the Union Government," the plea contended.
The case is now listed for August 18, for further consideration.
Advocates Gurmohan Preet Singh, Navraj Narang appeared for petitioners.
Title: Kirpal Singh and Others v. UOI & Ors