New Delhi: The Supreme Court is set to hear a petition today, December 9, seeking the immediate removal of blockades on national and state highways caused by ongoing farmers’ protests. Filed by a Punjab-based social activist, the plea highlights the disruption caused by the year-long blockade at the Shambhu border and other parts of Punjab, which has restricted the movement of people and goods, including critical military logistics toward India’s northern borders. The petition argues that such disruptions pose a threat to national security and infringe upon the fundamental rights of citizens to free movement.

The ongoing protests stem from farmers’ demands for fair compensation for agricultural losses. However, tensions escalated on Sunday when farmers attempting a march to Delhi were met with resistance by Haryana Police at the Shambhu border. Security forces deployed tear gas and water cannons, resulting in injuries to several farmers. Leaders of the agitation have called for discussions to decide the next steps in their movement, with bodies like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha expected to chart out future strategies.

The petitioner has urged the court to instruct the central and state governments to lift the blockades while implementing measures to prevent similar disruptions in the future. The hearing’s outcome is anticipated to have significant implications for the ongoing standoff between the farmers and the authorities, which has disrupted daily life in Punjab and surrounding states.