New Delhi, Feb 28: The Supreme Court on Friday postponed its hearing on the farmers’ protest, noting that two rounds of talks had already taken place between the Centre and protesting farmers demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP).
With the third round of talks scheduled for March 19, a Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh said the matter would be taken up after that.
The Bench is handling petitions seeking contempt action against Punjab officials over medical aid provided to farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal.
Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh informed the court that two state ministers had participated in the discussions.
Taking note of the ongoing dialogue, the Bench also acknowledged an interim report from the court-appointed high-powered committee, which was formed in September 2024 to facilitate a resolution. While appreciating the committee’s efforts, the court chose to keep the interim report under consideration for now.
Earlier, on January 22, the Bench had put on hold contempt proceedings against Punjab Chief Secretary and the DGP after being informed that Dallewal, on a hunger strike since November 26, 2024, was receiving medical treatment without breaking his fast.
On January 2, the court had questioned the Centre on why it couldn’t assure protesting farmers that their genuine concerns would be considered.
