[Farmers Protests] They have right to agitate but roads cannot be blocked like this; find a solution: Supreme Court to Central, UP Govts

The Supreme Court on Monday took exception to farmers blocking roads in Delhi-National Capital Region as part of their ongoing protests against the controversial Farm Laws.

A Bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul said that while farmers have the right to protest, roads cannot be blocked indefinitely.

"They might have right to a place to agitate but roads cannot be blocked like this," said Justice Kaul.

The Court, therefore, directed the Central government and concerned States to devise a solution.

"You have to find a solution. The solution lies in the hands of Union of India and concerned States," the Court said.

The Court was hearing a plea by a resident of NOIDA in Uttar Pradesh (UP) seeking relief against road blockade by protesting farmers.

The petitioner, Monicca Agarwal contended despite various directions passed by the top court to keep public roads clear, they have not been followed. The plea added that the petitioner being a single mother with medical issues, it has become a nightmare for her to travel from Noida to Delhi.

The UP government, in its response, informed the Court that it is in the process of requesting farmers to clear the area for smoother traffic.

In an affidavit filed before the top court, the UP government said that it is trying to convince farmers about how protests by blocking roads is not permitted as per the Supreme Court's earlier judgments.

Efforts are underway to "make farmers understand the grossly illegal act of blocking roads", the affidavit said.

The Court granted time to the Central and UP governments to examine the issue and report back to the Court with a solution.

[Read Live Account of hearing]