Supreme Court Seeks Punjab's Response to Petition Against Forced Removal of Protestors

The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Punjab government and others to respond to a petition challenging the Punjab and Haryana High Court's directive to evict protestors from the Chandigarh-Mohali border. The case involves the 'Kaumi Insaaf Morcha,' which protests for the release of long-serving Sikh prisoners.

The Supreme Court has instructed the Punjab government and other relevant parties to file a reply to a petition contesting the Punjab and Haryana High Court's order to remove protestors from the border of Chandigarh and Mohali YPS Chowk. The court has sought responses from several entities, including the Punjab State, Arrive Safe Society, and top law enforcement officers.

The bench, comprising Justices BR Gavai, KV Viswanathan, and Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh, attached this case to similar petitions. The 'Kaumi Insaaf Morcha,' an unregistered group advocating for the release of Sikh prisoners, filed the petition through their advocate, Satya Mitra. They claim the protest has been non-violent and in line with constitutional rights.

The petition argues that the High Court's directive to forcefully remove the protestors falsely accuses them of obstructing traffic, despite contrary evidence. The group has been protesting for over 1.5 years, demanding the release of Sikh prisoners who have served their sentences but remain incarcerated. The Supreme Court has yet to make a final ruling on the matter.

(With inputs from agencies.)