HC directs authorities to prevent disruption, ensure citizens’ safety amid farmers’ protests

NAGPUR: The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Thursday directed all authorities to ensure that no untoward incident occurs and that citizens are not inconvenienced during ongoing farmers’ protests at Wardha Road and other roads in the city.

Hearing a Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation initiated after highway blockades by protesters on Tuesday & Wednesday, the court underlined that maintaining peace and safeguarding public movement were of paramount importance.Justice Rajnish Vyas, who presided over the hearing, said the court was “primarily concerned with the safety and rights of citizens,” and emphasized that law enforcement agencies must remain vigilant to prevent any recurrence of disruption.During the proceedings, Assistant Government Pleader Neeraj Jawade appeared for the state, while Hariom Dhage represented respondent Bachchu Kadu after submitting his vakalatnama.Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal submitted an affidavit, confirming that normal traffic on National Highway 44 and other blocked routes had been restored peacefully. However, he cautioned the court about reports suggesting that Kadu had warned of a possible “rail roko” if his talks with authorities failed, urging the court to restrain such actions as they could trigger serious law and order issues.The judge took the affidavit on record and reiterated that protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring uninterrupted mobility remain the top priority of the judicial oversight.