The Supreme Court has ordered the partial reopening of the Shambu border. A Bench led by Justice Surya Kant directed that the highway be opened for ambulances, senior citizens, women, and students. Specifically, it instructed that one lane on each side of the road be made available. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for August 22.
The Supreme Court expressed satisfaction with the names proposed by the Punjab and Haryana Governments for forming a committee to resolve the impasse through dialogue with farmers.
The Court praised the selection of non-political individuals for the committee and indicated that it would issue orders for its formation. It also directed the Punjab and Haryana Governments to work on partially opening the Shambu border.
Additionally, the Court has instructed police officials from Patiala and Ambala to meet within a week to discuss how to partially open the Shambu border. The Court asserted that the police officials from both States need to determine how to facilitate the opening of the highway for ambulances, essential services, students, and daily commuters.
On July 10, during a hearing on a public interest petition, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed the Haryana Government to open the barricades at Shambu border within a week. The Haryana Government challenged this order in the Supreme Court, stating that the closure was necessary due to law and order concerns.
