9 January 2026: After nearly a year of anticipation, a delegation from the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) is set to meet the Supreme Court-appointed panel in Chandigarh today. The meeting comes as a crucial step toward addressing the longstanding demands of farmers, which include issues related to minimum support prices (MSP), procurement policies, and other unresolved grievances from previous protests.
The Supreme Court had constituted a three-member committee last year to examine the grievances raised by farmers during the nationwide protests against agricultural reforms. While initial meetings took place in the early months following the panel’s formation, prolonged delays and administrative hurdles have prevented a comprehensive dialogue with the SKM delegation for almost a year. Today’s meeting is expected to mark a turning point in ongoing negotiations.
The SKM, an umbrella body representing multiple farmer unions across Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and other northern states, has consistently pressed for legal guarantees on MSP, fair pricing mechanisms, and stronger safeguards against market exploitation. The delegation is also likely to raise concerns regarding irregularities in procurement practices and the implementation of welfare schemes for farmers.
Leaders of the Morcha have stated that the meeting will focus on tangible outcomes rather than symbolic discussions. They have emphasized that farmers are seeking actionable commitments that will protect their livelihoods and provide stability in agricultural markets. A senior SKM spokesperson said, “We are hopeful that after a year, the panel will seriously consider our proposals and recommend measures that address the core issues impacting farmers across the country.”
The apex court-appointed panel has a challenging mandate. It must balance farmers’ demands with economic realities and government policies while ensuring that the recommendations comply with existing laws and regulations. Legal experts note that such committees play a critical role in mediating disputes that have both social and economic implications.
Officials from the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare are expected to be present during the meeting to provide inputs on policy feasibility. Earlier rounds of discussions between the SKM and government representatives had hit roadblocks over the wording and scope of MSP guarantees, as well as the proposed legal framework for farm produce trade.
Farmers’ leaders have expressed cautious optimism ahead of today’s meeting, noting that constructive dialogue is essential for restoring trust between the government and farming communities. The SKM delegation will likely present data-backed arguments on crop pricing, procurement challenges, and the impact of market volatility on rural households.
Punjab and Haryana, two states that were epicenters of the previous protests, have witnessed sporadic demonstrations even after the repeal of contentious farm laws. Farmers allege that certain promises made by authorities during the protests, including full implementation of MSP for all major crops, have not been fully realized. These lingering concerns are expected to form the backbone of discussions with the panel.
Observers suggest that the outcome of the meeting could influence political dynamics, particularly in states with large agrarian populations. Successful engagement by the Supreme Court panel may pave the way for structured mechanisms to resolve disputes, reduce protests, and improve policy implementation. Conversely, failure to reach consensus could reignite unrest, especially during peak sowing or harvesting seasons.
The panel is likely to document the meeting and submit its recommendations to the Supreme Court, which will review them and potentially issue directives to the government. The process emphasizes judicial oversight in matters that directly affect the livelihood of millions of farmers, highlighting the importance of accountability and transparency in policy implementation.
In addition to MSP-related issues, the discussion may also touch upon modernisation of procurement systems, digitization of agricultural markets, and mechanisms to ensure timely payments to farmers. Leaders of the SKM have reiterated their support for sustainable and fair practices that can help both farmers and the broader economy.
As the SKM delegation prepares for today’s engagement, social media and news platforms are closely following updates from Chandigarh. Farmers’ unions have mobilized local support, signaling the symbolic importance of the meeting and reinforcing the message that agricultural concerns remain at the forefront of national discourse.
Analysts believe that today’s interaction could set a precedent for future negotiations between farmers’ collectives and government-appointed panels. A structured, data-driven, and transparent dialogue could serve as a model for resolving contentious issues in other sectors as well.
The meeting also underscores the role of the judiciary as a mediator in socio-economic disputes. By providing a neutral platform for dialogue, the Supreme Court-appointed panel ensures that discussions are based on evidence, feasibility, and fairness rather than political rhetoric.
In conclusion, today’s meeting between the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and the apex court-appointed panel in Chandigarh represents a significant milestone after a year-long wait. With high expectations from farmers, government officials, and policymakers alike, the session will be closely watched for its potential to deliver long-term solutions to persistent agricultural challenges in India.
Summary
After a year-long delay, the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha meets the Supreme Court-appointed panel in Chandigarh to discuss MSP guarantees, procurement issues, and other key farmer grievances for resolution.