'No Fresh Petition For Same Issue' : Supreme Court Dismisses PIL Raising Grievances Related To Farmers' Protest

The Supreme Court today dismissed a public interest litigation raising grievances related to farmers' protests, observing that another case on the same issue is pending before the Court, wherein certain initiatives have been taken.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Manmohan passed the order, with liberty to the counsel for petitioner to assist the court on the next date fixed in the pending case.

Briefly put, the PIL sought directions to the Union and the Punjab governments to remove restrictions on farmers' protest and to ensure that National Highways and railway tracks were not blocked by protesting farmers.

During the hearing, when the bench pointed out that another case is already pending before the Court in connection with the grievances raised, the counsel for the petitioner urged that though the Court has taken all constructive steps regarding grievances of the farmers, the plea underlines the plight of commuters in the affected area. 

In reply, Justice Kant said, "We are aware of everything. It's not that he (petitioner) alone is the conscious-keeper of society and rest are not aware...don't file repeated petitions. If you want to assist in pending PIL, you are most welcome".

Warning that such repeated petitions should not be filed, the judge remarked that they give the court an impression that a litigant is indulging in publicity litigation and/or playing to the gallery.

Subsequently, the petitioner's counsel prayed for tagging of the present petition with the case pending before the Court. However, Justice Kant conveyed that no fresh petition would be entertained on the same issue. Although, it would be open for the petitioner's counsel, if he is so advised, to assist the court in the pending matter.

Case Title: GAURAV LUTHRA Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS., W.P.(C) No. 802/2024 

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