From February 2024, farmers camped at Shambhu and Khanauri on the Punjab–Haryana border, seeking a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP). Punjab Police cleared the sites in March 2025; the state told the Supreme Court on 28 March that the national highway was open. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal ended his fast in early April after about 130 days and said the agitation would continue. A further Centre–farmer meeting was set for 4 May.
Timeline: from repeal to renewed protest
- 2021BackgroundRepeal
The 2020 farm laws were repealed.
- Feb2024Camps
Farmers began camping at Shambhu and Khanauri, demanding a legal MSP guarantee.
- 26 Nov2024Fast
Jagjit Singh Dallewal began a fast-unto-death at Khanauri.
- Jan2025Talks
Dallewal accepted medical aid after the Centre initiated talks; the Supreme Court monitored his health.
- March2025Cleared
Punjab Police cleared both sites; on 28 March, the state told the court the highway was open.
- Early Apr2025Fast ends
Dallewal ended his fast after about 130 days and said the agitation would continue.
What is the MSP guarantee demand?
MSP is a price announced by the Centre for selected crops. The Centre announces it for 22 mandated crops on the recommendation of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices. MSP has no statutory backing.
Farmers led by Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha sought a legal guarantee for MSP among other demands. The demand raises questions about price security, procurement, fiscal costs and implementation across crops and regions.
The two sides
Farmers seeking a guarantee
- A legal guarantee is sought to make price support more dependable.
- Price security matters to farmers facing uncertain market returns.
- The protesters continued to press their demands through talks and agitation.
Implementation considerations
- A legal guarantee would require a workable mechanism for enforcement and purchases.
- Its fiscal and market effects would depend on the design adopted.
- Authorities must also balance peaceful protest with public access and safety.
Key data
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| MSP coverage | The Centre announces MSP for 22 mandated crops. |
| Legal position | MSP has no statutory backing; protesters sought a legal guarantee. |
| Protest sites | Shambhu and Khanauri on the Punjab–Haryana border, occupied from February 2024. |
| Fast | Dallewal began his fast on 26 November 2024 and ended it after about 130 days. |
| Highway | Punjab told the Supreme Court on 28 March 2025 that the national highway was open. |
| Constitutional hook | Article 19 protects speech and peaceful assembly, subject to reasonable restrictions. |
Way forward
- Dialogue: Maintain structured talks with farmer representatives and communicate progress clearly.
- Policy design: Examine alternative guarantee mechanisms, their costs and their effects across crops and regions.
- Farmer security: Combine price-policy discussion with measures to reduce cultivation risks and improve market access.
- Protest management: Facilitate peaceful assembly while keeping essential routes and emergency access available.
- Coordination: Involve the Centre, states and affected communities in implementation planning.
Likely interview questions
What is MSP, and what were the farmers demanding?
Answer pointers:
- MSP is a Centre-announced price for selected crops.
- Farmers sought a legal guarantee among other demands.
- Distinguish the existing announcement from the proposed legal protection.
Do you think a legal MSP guarantee is desirable?
Answer pointers:
- It could make price support more dependable for farmers.
- Enforcement, fiscal costs and market effects need careful assessment.
- Compare feasible designs through consultation before deciding.
Do you think clearing protest sites is justified?
Answer pointers:
- Peaceful protest is protected, subject to reasonable restrictions.
- Public access, emergency movement and safety also matter.
- Use dialogue and lawful, proportionate measures.
As SDM in Patiala, how would you handle a proposed farmers’ demonstration near a highway?
Answer pointers:
- Meet organisers and assess the route, crowd and emergency needs.
- Coordinate with police and arrange safe access and traffic diversions.
- Facilitate peaceful protest and use proportionate, lawful action if needed.
How does this protest relate to Article 19 of the Constitution?
Answer pointers:
- Article 19 protects speech and peaceful assembly.
- These rights are subject to constitutionally permitted reasonable restrictions.
- Balance rights and public order through transparent, proportionate decisions.
Separate the demand for a legal guarantee from the existing MSP system. Discuss both farmer security and implementation challenges without assuming motives.
Prelims Practice Corner
Q1. For how many mandated crops does the Centre announce MSP?
(a) 12 (b) 22 (c) 32 (d) 42
Show answer
Answer: (b) because MSP is announced for 22 mandated crops.
Q2. Where did Jagjit Singh Dallewal begin his fast in November 2024?
(a) Sirhind (b) Khanauri (c) Chandigarh (d) Amritsar
Show answer
Answer: (b) because he began his fast at Khanauri on 26 November 2024.
Q3. Which constitutional article protects peaceful assembly, subject to reasonable restrictions?
(a) Article 14 (b) Article 19 (c) Article 32 (d) Article 262
Show answer
Answer: (b) because Article 19 protects the right to assemble peacefully and without arms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does MSP have statutory backing?
No, MSP has no statutory backing. Farmers at Shambhu and Khanauri demanded a legal guarantee among other demands.
When were the Shambhu and Khanauri protest sites cleared?
Punjab Police cleared both sites in March 2025. On 28 March, Punjab told the Supreme Court that the national highway was open.
When did Dallewal end his fast?
He ended it in early April 2025 at a mahapanchayat in Sirhind. The fast had lasted about 130 days, and he said the agitation would continue.
Sources: The Statesman, LiveLaw, Tribune
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