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The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Governments of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to make sure the Jat protests do not disrupt the supply of water, petroleum products and essential commodities such as milk to Delhi. The Jats have been holding demonstration demanding reservation in Central Government jobs.
The apex court specifically asked the three State Governments to see to it that the transportation of petroleum products from Panipat and Mathura oil refineries to Delhi through road, railways or pipelines are not hit due to the protests. It also told the States to take all necessary steps and ensure that the agitation does not affect public transport including road and railways.
The court noted that it was constrained to pass the order “having regard to the statements which are alleged to have been made by the heads of the Governments of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh” indicating support to the Jat protests.” The Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana had reportedly indicated support to the agitation.
The court said, “We make it clear that while citizens have a right to protest against any form of injustice but we emphasise that such right does not extend to disruption of free movement of people and supply of essential goods and services to the detriment of interest of public at large.” The court added that its directions to the three State Governments will not stop them from seeking help from the Centre to implement the order.
The apex court, which held a special sitting (the court is at present closed for Holi holidays), was acting on petitions filed by the Indian Oil Corporation and Delhi Jal Board. The petitioners were represented by advocates and Delhi Government standing counsel Mr Najmi Waziri and Mr Rajiv Nanda.
The court posted the matter for hearing again after a fortnight. It also directed that the copy of its order be immediately handed over to the Chief Secretaries of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, the resident commissioners of these two States in Delhi and to the standing counsel of these two States.
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