Plea in HC against suspension of internet ahead of farmers' protest

Chandigarh: Seeking directions against all "obstructive" actions by the governments of Haryana and Punjab and the Centre against the farmers' protest, a person filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday, PTI reported.

The petition mainly listed the sealing of borders and suspension of mobile internet services by the Haryana government to hamper the protest march to Delhi by the farmers, which is scheduled for February 13. The petitioner, Uday Partap Singh, alleged that the government's actions were "unconstitutional" and infringed fundamental rights.

The plea is expected to be heard on Tuesday.

The two farmers' organisations, Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have announced the protest march to Delhi with several demands, including the enactment of a law to guarantee a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

Petitioner Singh, a Haryana Panchkula native, alleges unlawful" sealing of the border between Haryana and Punjab, particularly at Shambhu near Ambala, by the Haryana authorities with an "apparent objective of preventing farmers from exercising their constitutional right to assemble and protest peacefully", PTI quoted.

The petitioner contended that the actions of the Haryana authorities, including the suspension of mobile internet services and bulk SMS in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa, further exacerbates the situation, depriving the citizens of their right to information and communication.

"The road blockade not only inconveniences residents but also hampers the movement of ambulances, school buses, pedestrians, and other vehicles.

"This obstruction has resulted in increased traffic on alternative routes, causing delays and difficulties for including professionals like advocates, doctors and emergency services who are unable to reach their workplaces and attend promptly," according to the plea.

The imposition of Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in Ambala and Kaithal districts, along with the placement of cemented barricades, spike strips, and other obstacles on various roads, demonstrates a concerted effort by the state authorities to "suppress dissent and stifle democratic expression", the plea alleged. The actions not only infringe upon the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 19(1)(a) and 21 of the Constitution of India but also undermine the principles of democracy and the rule of law, alleged the plea.