Shambhu border protest

The Supreme Court of India has ordered the Punjab and Haryana governments to maintain the status quo at the Shambhu border, where farmers have been protesting since February 13, while proposing the formation of an independent committee to negotiate with them. The court highlighted a significant trust deficit between the farmers and the Haryana government, urging the appointment of neutral individuals to facilitate discussions. Both state governments are required to suggest names for this committee within a week. The ongoing blockade was initially enforced by the Haryana government citing law and order concerns, with barricades erected to prevent farmers from marching towards Delhi. The court's decision comes in response to a petition challenging a previous high court order that mandated the removal of these barricades. The judiciary emphasized the need for confidence-building measures to resolve the ongoing tensions.