SC seeks response of Centre on PIL seeking import curbs on yellow peas
New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Thursday sought response from the Centre on a PIL seeking import curbs on yellow peas, which is considered a substitute to pulses, on the grounds that its supply is affecting the livelihood of farmers growing pulses.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant, Ujjal Bhuyan and N Kotiswar Singh issued notice on a PIL filed by 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' and asked advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the farmers' body, to examine whether there is sufficient production of pulses in the country.
"We are inclined to issue notice but the net result should not be that the end consumers suffer," the bench said.
Bhushan said the import of yellow peas at a cheaper price of Rs 35 per kg is affecting the farmers growing pulses like 'tur dal' (pigeon peas), 'moong dal' and 'urad dal' who get a MSP of Rs 85 per kg.
"There have been numerous reports of expert bodies, including those of the government, which have asked the government to not import yellow peas as it would impact large-scale Indian farmers," he submitted, adding that unrestricted and cheap import of yellow peas should be stopped.
Bhushan said even the Agriculture ministry and Niti Aayog have opined against the import of yellow peas and emphasised for enhancing local production of pulses.
The bench told Bhushan, "You don't allow imports of yellow peas and then there is a shortage created in the market. We have to avoid that. You have mentioned that yellow peas were used as cattle fodder in some foreign countries. Have you examined its health impact?"
Bhushan replied there are adverse health impacts on people consuming yellow peas and it is a big problem.
"Large number of farmers are dying and committing suicide," Bhushan submitted.
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UP woman found hanging at in-laws' home; family alleges dowry murder
Maharajganj (UP) (PTI): A 29-year-old married woman was found hanging at her in-laws' home here, with her in-laws claiming it was suicide while her mother alleging murder over dowry, police said on Sunday.
According to police, Anukriti (29) had married Manoj Gond six years ago and lived with her in-laws in Mahadeva village.
Her in-laws claimed that she died by suicide after allegedly hanging herself inside a room of the house on Saturday evening, police said.
After receiving information about the incident, a police team reached the spot and sent the body for a post-mortem.
Paniyara police station in-charge Sanjay Kumar Singh said that based on a complaint filed by the woman’s mother, a case was registered on Sunday against her husband Manoj Gond, mother-in-law Punam, father-in-law Sumer Gond, and brother-in-law Munna Gond.
The complainant alleged that Anukriti was being harassed for dowry by in-laws and was murdered over dowry-related demands, Singh said.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
