New Delhi: The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Thursday passed a resolution condemning the use of repressive measures against farmers protesting peacefully against Centre’s new agriculture laws.
A statement issued by SCBA said: “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 committee said the recent legislation on farm produce, which excludes 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 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,” it added.
The committee said the farmers have sought to present their views on the legislations which in their opinion infringe their rights, and it emphasises the right of citizens to discuss, debate, criticize or protest against such Bills or Acts is sacrosanct.
“Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our Constitution, and the bedrock of human rights,” said the committee.
The resolution was passed in a meeting held on December 4, but SCBA’s Acting Secretary Rohit Pandey released it to the media on Thursday.
