The Supreme Court on Monday said the Delhi Police should decide on the entry of protesting farmers into Delhi on Republic Day, as it heard a plea seeking an injunction against the proposed tractor rally scheduled on January 26.
Stating that it’s a law and order matter, the apex court said, “Police is first authority to decide who should be allowed to enter Delhi. We are not going to tell you what you should do. We will take up this matter on Jan 20.”
The court’s observations came during a hearing on the plea of the central government, filed though the Delhi Police, seeking an injunction against the proposed tractor march or any other kind of protest by farmers that seeks to disrupt the gathering and celebrations of Republic Day on January 26.
The farmer unions’, meanwhile, are firm on holding the rally on Republic Day. They further said protesters will not carry weapons or indulge in inflammatory speeches or violence. They also clarified that there will be no occupation or attack on any government building or area during the parade, which will see tractors start their journey from their respective position at the Delhi border and return to the same place, said a farmer leader.
“Farmers will celebrate Republic Day with huge fervour. The tractor parade will move in a circle on the Outer Ring Road, which goes around areas like Janakpuri, Munirka, Nehru Place, Tikri. We hope that Delhi and Haryana Police will not cause us any problems or restrictions. This will be a very peaceful protest since our biggest weapon is non-violence,” said Yogendra Yadav from Sanyukt Kisan Morcha.
