Police Should Decide On Entry Into Delhi: Supreme Court On Farmers’ R-Day Tractor Rally

Photo courtesy: The New Indian Express

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday said the Delhi Police should decide on the entry of protesting farmers into Delhi on Republic Day. It was hearing 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 Indian Express (TIE) reported.

The Central government had filed a plea through 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.

Meanwhile, the farmers are unrelenting. Their unions are firm on holding the rally on Republic Day. However, they assured the protesters would 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, TIE reported.

“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,” Yogendra Yadav from Sanyukt Kisan Morcha was quoted as saying.

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