On Friday, the Hon'ble Punjab and Haryana High Court ('High Court') constituted a committee headed by Principal Secretary Home, Government of Punjab to prevent wastage of food-grains that cannot be taken out due to the blockade created by the protestors outside the main gate of Adani Wilmar Limited Factory at Ferozepur.

Adani Wilmar Limited has approached the High Court for urgent directions to remove the blockade created by protestors outside its factory premises situated at Village Waan, Ferozepur. The said blockade has resulted in the complete stoppage of any movement of goods and workers/employees to and from the said factory premises, which serves as a rice processing unit of Adani Wilmar Limited. A total quantity of 8752.68 MT of rice is lying stored inside the Factory. The rice being a perishable item, is at the risk of being spoiled if not immediately taken out of the factory premises. Adani Wilmar has also asserted that more than100 MT of Rice stuck inside the Factory has already perished on account of not being allowed to be taken out from the Factory.

The High Court considered the various affidavits filed in the matter and have observed that the farmer's agitation across the country against the farm laws has thrown up an "extraordinary situation" and require “extraordinary response”. The said observation came as the High Court ordered the constitution of a high powered committee to prevent further wastage of food grains stored in the Factory of Adani Wilmar.

Since, the monsoon season is approaching, which is likely to cause heavy losses and damage to the food-grains, the High Court borrowed words from Abhram Lincoln and observed that efforts would be made by the concerned in the spirit of “malice towards none with charity for all”.

Adani Wilmar Limited was represented by Ashish Prasad, Partner and Rohit Sharma, Associate Partner, Economic Laws Practice and Abhinav Sood, Advocate, Punjab and Haryana High Court.