The Supreme Court of India, on February 28, was informed that discussions between the protesting farmers and the Union Government are currently in progress. The update was provided by Advocate General of Punjab, Gurminder Singh, to a bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice NK Singh.
It was revealed that two meetings have already taken place on February 14 and 22, with another meeting scheduled for March 19. The negotiations involve both the Union Government and a court-appointed High Powered Committee, which is actively engaged in the dialogue with the protesting farmers.
High Powered Committee and Honorarium Payment
Justice Surya Kant suggested that a full-time member of the High Powered Committee should be compensated for their role. The committee comprises the following members:
- Justice (Retd.) Nawab Singh, Former Judge of Punjab and Haryana High Court – Chairperson
- Shri B.S. Sandhu, IPS (Retd.), Former Director General of Police, Haryana – Member
- Sri Devinder Sharma – Member
- Prof. Ranjit Singh Ghumman, Professor of Eminence at GNDU, Amritsar (Punjab) and Professor of Economics at CRRID – Member
- Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Agricultural Economist, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana – Member
- Special Invitee: Professor B.R. Kambhoj, Vice Chancellor of Chaudhary Charan Singh Agriculture University, Hisar
The Advocate General of Punjab informed the court that a substantial amount had already been paid. However, Justice Kant noted that these payments were primarily to cover incurred expenses.
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Recognizing the work of the High Powered Committee, the Court issued the following directives:
"Talks are ongoing between the Union Government and farmers, with two Ministers of State participating. Considering the progress made, we acknowledge the efforts of the Committee and expect them to continue their pursuit of a peaceful resolution."
The court further ordered:
"One of the committee members is a full-time member and does not hold any other office. As an interim measure, we direct that he be paid Rs. 1 lakh in addition to other expenses. The Chairperson shall receive an honorarium of Rs. 2 lakh per meeting, while other members not drawing a salary from their respective institutions shall receive Rs. 1 lakh per meeting."
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In January 2025, a significant breakthrough occurred in discussions between the Punjab authorities and the protesting farmers when they agreed to meet Justice (Retd.) Nawab Singh, the Chairperson of the High Powered Committee.
On January 22, the Court was informed that farmers' leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal had agreed to medical intervention following the Union Government's engagement in discussions. Dallewal had been on a hunger strike since November 2024, demanding a resolution on key issues, including minimum support price (MSP). After his health deteriorated, the Court ordered that he be shifted to a medical hospital for necessary treatment.
Case Details:
LABH SINGH v. K A P SINHA AND ANR. – CONMT.PET.(C) No. 930-933/2024 in SLP(C) No. 6950-6953/2024
STATE OF HARYANA AND ANR. v. UDAY PRATAP SINGH AND ORS. – SLP(C) No. 6950-6953/2024
THE STATE OF HARYANA AND ANR. v. UDAY PRATAP SINGH AND ORS. – SLP(C) No. 15407-15410/2024 (Shambhu border blockade case)
