Shambhu Border Closure: PIL filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court

The closure of the Shambhu border on National Highway-44 has entered its fifth month, causing untold hardship to commuters and economic losses to both Haryana and Punjab. The border was closed in March this year after farmers, led by Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Gurnam Singh Chaduni, squatted on the highway, demanding a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops. 

Economic Havoc 

The closure of the border has resulted in a significant loss of revenue for both states. The highway is a critical trade route, with hundreds of vehicles plying daily. The closure has not only affected the trade but also the livelihood of people dependent on it. The business community in Ambala has been particularly hit hard, with many shops and establishments shutting down due to the lack of customers. 

Commuters' Nightmare 

The closure has also caused immense hardship to commuters, who are forced to take a longer route to reach their destinations. The diversion has not only increased the travel time but also the fuel consumption, causing financial losses to individuals. The situation has become so dire that even lawyers are finding it difficult to reach the courts. 

High Court Intervention Sought 

A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking the court's intervention in the matter. The PIL, filed by Advocate Vasu Ranjan Shandil, has requested the court to direct the authorities to open the border and ensure the smooth flow of traffic. The court has been urged to treat the matter as a humanitarian crisis and intervene urgently.