Chandigarh administration won’t act against protesters booked during farm laws stir

Chandigarh: The Chandigarh administration has assured the Punjab and Haryana High Court that it will not take any action against protesters who were booked during the farm laws protests of 2020-21, at least until it receives a response from the Centre. The statement was made during the resumed hearing of a plea filed by a group of farmers and activists seeking directions to the UT Police to forward a no-objection certificate (NOC) to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). This NOC is required for the withdrawal of three FIRs registered against them during the protests against the now-repealed farm laws.

The three FIRs in question were lodged at Sector 34 police station (two FIRs) and Sector 49 police station (one FIR). During the hearing, the UT’s counsel informed the court that Chandigarh administration had written to the Ministry of Home Affairs on February 19, 2025, seeking permission to withdraw prosecution in these FIRs. The counsel further assured the court, saying, “Till clarification is obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs, no effective or coercive steps shall be taken against the petitioners in the FIRs.”

The plea was filed in July 2025 by a dozen or so farmers and protesters. It argued that while repealing the three farm laws in 2021, the Centre had agreed to withdraw all criminal cases registered against farmers and protesters. On December 12, 2021, the Centre delegated powers to state governments under Section 321 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to withdraw such cases. Many states, including Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, initiated the withdrawal of cases soon after.

Background of FIRs and farm laws protests

In June 2022, the senior superintendent of police in Chandigarh was approached with a request to withdraw the three FIRs registered in the city during 2020-21. The local police indicated that they had no objection to withdrawing the FIRs but clarified that such action would require approval from the Centre. The petitioners therefore approached the High Court to obtain directions to the police to quash these FIRs.

The protests were triggered by the introduction of three new farm laws in 2020, namely:

1. The Farmers (Empowerment & Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020

2. The Farmers’ Produce Trade & Commerce (Promotion & Facilitation) Act, 2020

3. The Essential Commodities Act, 2020

These laws were passed by the Parliament in 2020, but thousands of farmers protested across the country, fearing that the laws were against their interests. Farmers from several states camped at Delhi borders for months. After sustained protests and negotiations, the Centre repealed the three farm laws on December 1, 2021.

After the repeal, the Centre had promised to withdraw all criminal cases against the farmers and protesters related to these demonstrations. While some states quickly acted on this, Chandigarh’s three FIRs remained pending due to the requirement of central approval. The petitioners now hope that the High Court will direct the Centre and UT Police to proceed with the withdrawal.

The High Court’s involvement highlights the importance of legal oversight in ensuring that the rights of protesters are protected. The administration’s statement that no action will be taken against the petitioners provides temporary relief and reassurance to the farmers and activists.

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The FIRs registered at Sector 34 and Sector 49 police stations had been a matter of concern for the protesters for years, as they had legal and social implications. Many of the petitioners argued that continuing the cases would violate the Centre’s earlier assurances and undermine trust between the government and the farming community.

By seeking NOC from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Chandigarh administration is following the proper procedure before withdrawing cases. The Centre’s approval is necessary because the power to withdraw prosecution in certain criminal cases lies with the central authority when it involves wider policy decisions, as in the case of farm laws.

The Chandigarh administration has taken a cautious approach by assuring the High Court that no coercive action will be taken against the petitioners until it receives a reply from the MHA. This step is seen as balancing administrative responsibility with protecting the legal rights of citizens who participated in the protests.

In conclusion, the petitioners’ plea and the administration’s assurance highlight the ongoing legal process to resolve FIRs registered during the farm laws protests of 2020-21. With the Centre’s response pending, the High Court will continue to monitor the matter. Meanwhile, farmers and activists can be assured that they will not face any coercive measures regarding these FIRs until the legal process is completed.