Bhupinder Singh Mann opts out of 4-member SC panel on farm laws

Jan. 14: In a recent development, Former MP and national president of Bhartiya Kisan Union, Bhupinder Singh Mann (81), one of four experts nominated by the Supreme Court for negotiations with farmers protesting against the farm laws has declined the job, citing the “interests” of farmers. He quit the panel saying he wanted to remain impartial and due to public sentiment in connection with the farmers’ ongoing protest.

In a press statement, Bhupinder Singh Mann wrote, “As a farmer myself and a Union leader, in view of the prevailing sentiments and apprehensions amongst the farm unions and the public in general, I am ready to sacrifice any position offered or given to me so as to not compromise the interests of Punjab and farmers of the country, I am recusing myself from the committee and I will always stand with my farmers and Punjab.”

He, however, thanked the Supreme Court and wrote, “…I am thankful to Hon’ble Supreme Court for nominating me in the 4 member committee to start dialogue with Kisan Unions on the three laws brought in by the central government.” It needs mention that Mann is the chairman of the All India Kisan Coordination Committee, a platform of farm unions who have supported the farm laws.

Earlier, on 12 December, the Supreme Court had suspended the introduction of new agricultural laws that have triggered widespread protests by farmers since November. The Supreme Court said it will form an independent committee to try to resolve the dispute, which is seen as a major challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Four members of the committee formed by the three-judge bench headed by CJI SA Bobde include:

• BS Mann, Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU)
• Ashok Gulati, Agricultural Scientist
• Pramod K Jishi, International Food Policy Research Institute
• Anil Ghanwant, Shetkari Sangathan

The Chief Justice added that the committee will neither punish farmers nor pass an order against them. The Chief Justice said, “We want to solve this problem; we want to know the ground situation that is why we are making a committee.”

The panel formed by the Supreme Court has attracted public criticism because all four members named for the panel had either endorsed the farm laws or suggested improvements. Protesting farm unions said such a committee was already biased in favour of reforms. Farmers’ groups statement expressed “respect” and “gratitude” for the Court’s “understanding of the problem and comforting words” during the hearing, but regretted that the unions were unable to accede to its suggestions, as millions of farmers across the country were demanding full repeal of the laws.