SC says tractor rally in executive domain; Govt withdraws plea

NEW DELHI: The issue of the proposed tractor rally on the Republic Day by farmers protesting against the new farms laws is in “executive domain”, the Supreme Court said on Wednesday after which the Centre withdrew its plea seeking an injunction against such a march on January 26.

A bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde said that police has the “authority” to deal with the issue of proposed tractor march in Delhi and it is not for the court to pass order in the matter. “We have told you that we will not issue any direction. It is a police matter. We will allow you to withdraw (the application). You are the authority and you have to deal with it. You have the powers to pass orders, you do it. It is not for the court to pass orders,” said the bench, also comprising Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian. The apex court said this while hearing the Centre’s application, filed through Delhi Police, seeking an injunction against the proposed tractor or trolley march or any other kind of protest which seeks to disrupt the Republic Day gathering and celebrations.

During the hearing conducted through video-conferencing, Attorney General K K Venugopal said that if farmers are allowed to enter Delhi, they will go all over the city. “These are the matters which are in executive domain,” the bench observed.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for some farmer unions, said that farmers are convinced that the new farm laws are against them.

“Suppose, we uphold the law then you protest. You counsel them properly. The only rider is ensure that people of Delhi are in peace,” the bench said.

The bench said the authorities can record the statement of Bhushan’s clients that they also want peace and they should talk on the issue.

While hearing the matter on January 18, the top court had told the Centre that the proposed tractor rally on the Republic Day by the protesting farmers is a “law and order” matter and Delhi Police has all the authority to deal with it. “Does the Supreme Court say as to what are the powers of police and how they will exercise them? We are not going to tell you what to do,” the bench had said last week.