Supreme Court orders government to clear dairy farmers’ dues
Summary
The Supreme Court has ordered the government to ensure that dairy farmers are paid their outstanding dues without delay, ruling that prolonged non-payment by dairy industries and the Dairy Development Corporation violated farmers’ constitutional rights. The court also directed the Agriculture Ministry to implement a June 2024 agreement on clearing dues and regularizing future payments.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court issued a writ of mandamus directing the government to ensure immediate payment of outstanding dues to dairy farmers.
- The court said prolonged non-payment by the Dairy Development Corporation and private dairy companies violated farmers’ constitutional rights to property, social justice and a dignified life.
- The Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment was told to implement the June 30, 2024 agreement on clearing dues and setting up regular payment systems.
- The petition was filed by lawyers Punya Prasad Khatiwada and Dipak Bikram Mishra after farmers were owed around Rs7 billion.
