Farmers Protest : SCBA Executive Committee Condemns Use Of Force Against Protesters; Says 'Peaceful Protest Corner Stone Of Constitution'

The Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association(SCBA) passed a resolution on Thursday condemning the "use of force and repressive measures" against peaceful protesters.The resolution comes in the context of the farmers protest against the recently passed three farm laws.The Committee noted that the farmers have been holding non-violent protests and that they have sought to present their views on the legislations, which in their opinion, infringe their rights."This Association emphasises that the right of citizens to discuss, debate, criticise or protest against such Bills or Acts is sacrosanct. Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our Constitution, and the bedrock of human rights", the resolution said.The full text of the Resolution :"The Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association has been dismayed to read reports in the media about the use of brute force to break up peaceful protests, where citizens raise their voices against State actions which they believe denigrate their basic rights. The recent legislation on farm produce, which exclude the jurisdiction of civil courts, followed by use of force to prevent the farmers from holding non violent protests for their rights is a case in point. The farmers have sought to present their views on the legislations which in their opinion infringe their rights. This Association emphasises that the right of citizens to discuss, debate, criticise or protest against such Bills or Acts is sacrosanct. Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our Constitution, and the bedrock of human rights. To paraphrase Edmund Burke, I may completely disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.The Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association has unanimously resolved to condemn the use of force and repressive measures against peaceful protesters, and calls upon all concerned Governments to uphold and protect the Constitutional right of all citizens to peaceful protest".The Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association condemns the use of force and repressive measures against protesters in the context of farmers protests against farm laws."Peaceful protest is the cornerstone of our constitution".#FarmersProstests #FarmLaws2020 pic.twitter.com/5WlsEZWrsR— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) December 10, 2020 Thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab, have been camping at Delhi borders since November 26 raising their demand the the farm laws be repealed.There are several reports of police using force against the protesters. Police used water cannons and fired tear-gas shells to stop the protesters.After the support for the protests swelled, the Central Government invited the leaders for talks. However, the talks are yet to yield results and the farmers are standing firm on their demand that the laws be withdrawn. The Supreme Court has issued notices on a batch of petitions which challenge the constitutional validity of the three farm laws -Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act,Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act & Essential Commodities(Amendment) Act.Interestingly, the Bar Council of Delhi has also written to the Prime Minister seeking the repeal of the laws saying that provisions barring the jurisdiction of civil courts over disputes under the Acts affect legal profession.President of Supreme Court Bar Association Dushyant Dave declared full support for farmers & called these farm Laws as anti- farmers & anti-Lawyers. Offered free legal services to farmers: @hsphoolka pic.twitter.com/OuaAEWCFKt— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) December 4, 2020 Meanwhile, a law student filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking directions for immediate removal of the protesters who have blocked the Delhi borders.

Farmers Protest : SCBA Executive Committee Condemns Use Of Force Against Protesters; Says 'Peaceful Protest Corner Stone Of Constitution'

LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK

Tags