SC allows withdrawal of plea on farmer protests

• Supreme Court permits withdrawal of plea regarding farmer protests, warning against frivolous petitions on serious issues
• Petition sought Centre's consideration of farmers' demands on MSP and other recommendations; filed in backdrop of 'Delhi Chalo' protests
• Court advises petitioner to approach high court, notes similar matters already under consideration

The Supreme Court granted permission for the withdrawal of a petition concerning the demands of protesting farmers, cautioning against filing petitions on such "serious" issues for publicity. The petition, filed in the backdrop of the 'Delhi Chalo' call by farmers on February 13, urged the Centre to address farmers' demands on minimum support price (MSP) for crops and other recommendations made by agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan. The bench, comprising justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan, emphasized the gravity of the issues, advising that only those genuinely committed should approach the court.

The petition, filed by a social activist Agnostos Theos, claimed to be the managing director of The Sikh Chamber of Commerce. It cited concerns over the government's response to the protests, including fortifications at Delhi borders, restrictions on social media, and alleged use of aggressive measures against farmers. However, the court allowed the withdrawal, noting that similar matters were already pending in the high court, advising the petitioner to approach the appropriate forum for redressal.