Farmers Movement Archive

Kerala will challenge new farm laws in SC: Minister for agriculture

THRISSUR: The farmers, who are agitating against contentious agri reforms in Delhi, received an impetus on Monday after the LDF government in Kerala openly stated that it will not implement the controversial farm laws passed by the Centre and that the government would approach the Supreme Court challenging the same. Minister for agriculture V S Sunilkumar said that the government will fully support the farmers who are agitating in Delhi and that Kerala has taken steps to file a petition challenging new farm laws in the apex court within a week. The advocate general of the state has been instructed to proceed in this regard. The minister pointed out that agriculture is an item in the concurrent list of the Constitution, and by passing these laws, Centre has blatantly encroached on the powers of the states given under the Constitution. “There was no consultation with states, before bringing in these legislations. When the much-detested APMC Act was introduced earlier, there was at least a provision that states can either accept or reject it. That’s why states like Kerala could refrain from implementing it. But, the new farm laws have been framed in such a way that all states will have to implement them,” he said. The government will also explore the possibility of introducing alternative laws by invoking Article 304 (3) of the Constitution. This Article helps states make separate laws, if any central law encroached on their powers, Sunilkumar said. However, there are some constraints for states to explore the potential of the Article as they will have to get the President’s assent for new laws, he added. The minister said Kerala government will fight against new farm laws and cooperation of all like-minded states will be mobilised too. States like Punjab and Rajasthan have already raised their voice against the laws, he said. Sunilkumar said the new laws are detrimental not just to farmers, but all Indians. The law essentially caters to the interests of corporates, who will now decide the availability and price of food in the country. This will eventually decimate food security and how can we have national security without food security, he asked. The minister lashed out at the Centre for trying to encroach on the powers of the state in areas like education and healthcare.

The Times of India

2020-12-08

Kochi