Candle light processions are being carried out in the villages of Greater Noida demanding immediate release of farmers put in Jail by Yogi Adityanath Government of Uttar Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/Oq7vZSUY1s

— AIKS (@KisanSabha) December 19, 2024

Background

On December 17, (Tuesday), a significant development unfolded in Greater Noida when a court granted bail to 86 farmers arrested during protests earlier this month. These farmers had been detained during demonstrations demanding increased compensation for land acquisition in the region. The arrests occurred on December 4 and 5 at Zero Point in Greater Noida, where 136 farmers were taken into custody. While eight farmers had been released on bail last week, the 86 granted bail on Tuesday will remain in jail until they deposit a surety of Rs 20,000 each.

The farmers’ protests erupted in response to the Uttar Pradesh government’s failure to fulfil promises of increased compensation for land acquired from farmers for various development projects. Led by farmer unions such as the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), the farmers have been advocating for compensation rates that reflect the rising costs of living and the value of their land. These protests led to disruptions, including the blockade of the Noida Expressway on December 5, when protesters allegedly damaged barricades and clashed with police.

Sub-Inspector Rahul Kumar filed a complaint against the protesters, accusing them of rioting, unlawful assembly, and causing harm to public servants. In his complaint, Kumar stated that despite police efforts to de-escalate, the protesters continued shouting slogans against the government and police, escalating the situation. However, the farmers’ leaders maintain that their protests were peaceful and that the charges were fabricated, as Times of India reported.

Farmers’ struggle in Noida and Greater Noida

The farmers’ struggle in Noida and Greater Noida is a powerful manifestation of resistance against the land acquisition policies that have long been a source of tension in Uttar Pradesh. This struggle is deeply rooted in the farmers’ demands for rightful compensation and alternative livelihoods.

Land acquisition and political Relevance

The backdrop to the farmers’ protests in the region is the ongoing process of land acquisition for several major development projects. These include the construction of the Greater Noida and Noida industrial zones, the Yamuna Expressway, the Jewar International Airport, and various projects under the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC). Farmers argue that their land was acquired without fair compensation, leaving them without sufficient support for their livelihoods. The struggle for land rights in this region has gained increasing political relevance as it exposes the exploitative relationship between the state government and corporate forces benefiting from these land acquisitions.

Past struggles and farmer solidarity

The farmers’ struggles have been ongoing for several years, with the All-India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) playing a crucial role in mobilizing farmers and building solidarity across communities. In 2023, after farmers successfully pushed for the formation of a High-Power Committee, the government promised several measures, including higher compensation and the return of a portion of acquired land. However, the BJP-led state government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has failed to implement these recommendations, prompting farmers to intensify their struggle.

November-December 2024: escalation of protests

The situation reached a boiling point in November and December 2024, when ten major farmer organizations under the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) banner organized a Mahapanchayat in Greater Noida on November 25. The farmers, including a large number of women, demanded immediate action from the Uttar Pradesh government to address their concerns. When the government failed to respond, the farmers organized day-and-night protests from November 26 to December 1.

Violent crackdown and arrests

On December 2, 2024, thousands of farmers attempted to march to Delhi, but were stopped by police barricades, resulting in traffic disruptions. The government responded by making several promises to engage with the farmers, but the situation worsened on December 3, when police forces violently evicted the protesters. Over 160 farmers, including key leaders, were arrested and sent to Luksar Jail, with many others detained at their homes under house arrest.

The struggle for land rights in Noida and Greater Noida has become emblematic of broader issues surrounding land acquisition, compensation, and the rights of rural farmers. It represents a direct challenge to the BJP-led state government’s corporate-friendly policies, and it has sparked widespread support from farmers across the country. The movement continues to gain momentum, with more protests planned and the farmers’ determination to secure their rightful claims remaining unshaken.

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Farmers protest: Documentary ‘Kisan Satyagraha’ barred from Bengaluru film fest

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The Delhi High Court has refused to entertain a PIL filed by a law student seeking the release of over 200 ‘illegally detained’ farmers in connection with the farmers’ protests on Republic Day.

According to Bar & Bench, a Division Bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh directed the Delhi Police to conduct its investigation into the FIRs registered related to the violence that took place during the tractor rally in an expeditious and time bound manner. However, the Chief Justice called this Public Interest Litigation, a “publicity interest litigation.”

Counsel for the petitioner requested the Bench to issue directions to the Delhi Police to release status reports since there was an alleged discrepancy with respect to the number of arrested persons in view of newspaper reports. Bar & Bench reported that the court was apprised that as per the Delhi Police, 122 persons had been arrested after being named in 44 FIRs.

The counsel stated that the plea was not solely based on newspaper reports, and that a list of 15 missing persons was attached with the petition. She further asserted that the petitioner belonged to the village from where persons have been missing since January 26-27. 

The High Court remarked that they would need affidavits from the family members of the people who have been missing. The Bench asked, “(What if) we issue notice and these persons have gone from their personal work?”

The Bench further noted that the counsel for the petitioner was not aware of the details with respect to the FIRs registered by Delhi Police and the nature of the allegations. Hence, it found no merit in the matter and dismissed the application, accordingly.

Related:

PIL in Delhi HC seeks release of over 200 ‘illegally detained’ farmers

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A plea has been filed before Delhi High Court seeking release of farmers and other persons who, allegedly, have been illegally detained by Delhi police after the Tractor parade on January 26.

A law student has filed the plea through Advocates Ashima Mandla and Mandakini Singh basis information received through personal survey, newspaper reports, media reports and social activists that people have been illegally detained from the Singhu border, Ghazipur border and Tikri border. The plea states that the arrests violate Articles 14 (right to equality), 21 (right to life) and 22 (Protection against arrest and detention) of the Constitution.

The petitioner has established their locus standi asserting that habeas corpus can be invoked by any person, on behalf of illegally detained person.

The plea further states that Delhi Police told the media, as it was reported that over 200 persons have been detained for the alleged violence during the tractor rally and that 22 FIRs have been registered. The petitioner notes that Delhi Police failed to comply with procedural formalities like signing of the arrest memo, informing the next of kin within a period of 8-12 hours, and production of the persons before the Magistrate u/s 167 CrPC thus making this a case of illegal detention. The plea contends that the notion of liberty cannot be diffused even in emergencies.

Reportedly, over 200 participants of the parade are missing and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) formed a committee to gather information on such persons and their whereabouts. “Any information on missing persons can be shared with 8198022033 with full name of the missing person, full address, phone number of the person and any other contact number at home and missing from when,” said the SKM during a press conference at the Singhu border.

Farmers have decided to observe ‘chakka jam’ (road block) on February 6 on all national and state highways from 12 PM to 3 PM. “The youth arrested and beaten; missing tractors and vehicles after January 26; blocking of all routes leading to farmer protest sites; problem relating to water, electricity, latrines, internet; attacks on journalists; stopping of trains carrying farmer supporters; withholding of Kisan Ekta Morcha – considering all this, we have decided to call for a three-hour road blockade on February 6,” said farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal during a press conference at the Singhu border.

Related:

Farmers declare chakka jam on Feb 6 on all major highways
Nails embedded on roads, barricades set in concrete at Delhi borders, who are they trying to keep out?
Over 100 persons missing after Kisan Ganatantra Parade!

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