Today, the Punjab and Haryana High Court declined to expedite the hearing of a case pertaining to the ongoing protest march of farmers towards Delhi. This decision comes after the court adjourned the case until February 29 during its session yesterday.

This morning, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Satya Pal Jain and Haryana Advocate General Baldev Raj Mahajan requested an urgent listing of the matter as farmers resumed their march towards Delhi to advocate for a minimum support price (MSP) for various crops.

Nonetheless, the division bench comprised of Acting Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Lapita Banerjee declined to intervene urgently to halt the farmers' progression towards the national capital.

Prior to the farmers' protest march, two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) were filed before the High Court on February 12. One PIL contested the restrictions imposed by the Haryana government on the protesting farmers, while the other petitioned the Court to intervene in order to uphold law and order in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh.

On February 13, the High Court issued notices to the Central government, as well as the governments of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi regarding the matter. In previous hearings, the Court had emphasized the importance of dialogue between the government and the protesting farmers. During Tuesday's hearing, the Centre requested additional time to inform the Court about the outcomes of meetings between farmer leaders and union ministers.

As per news reports, the talks between farmer leaders and union ministers have reportedly ended without reaching a conclusive agreement. Consequently, the farmers have resumed their march towards Delhi.

Yesterday, the Haryana government informed the Court that it has identified sites in 18 districts where farmers can peacefully hold their protests. It stated that protestors can apply for permission, and the competent authority will make decisions regarding permissions in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, data provided by the Punjab Police to the Court indicates that approximately 13,000 to 13,500 protestors are expected to assemble at the Shambhu border in District Patiala during daytime, with the number decreasing to 11,000-11,500 at night. Similarly, at Khanauri border in District Sangrur, around 4,500-4,600 individuals are anticipated to gather during the day, decreasing to 3,700-3,900 at night, accompanied by tractor-trolleys and other vehicles.

The Court was further informed that appropriate directives have been issued to police officers to uphold law and order at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. Additionally, the Punjab government stated that on February 15, instructions were given to gazetted police officers to prevent the movement of machinery, such as JCBs towards Patiala and Sangrur districts. Furthermore, round-the-clock checkpoints have been established on roads leading to these two districts to enforce these directives.