Farmers from the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana and other areas have laid siege to New Delhi to protest against new laws that will allow corporations to play a role in procuring food grains directly. Up to now, farmers sold their produce through regulated wholesale markets, or mandis , which had state sponsorship. The farmers were also assured of a “minimum support price”, in case market prices fell very low. The new laws were passed without sufficient discussion and scrutiny in parliament, the temple of democracy in any country. The farmers of northern India, particularly Punjab and Haryana, are fiercely proud of their heritage and contributions. Many Punjabi families have a member in the armed forces, safeguarding India’s borders. In addition, Punjab and Haryana are the granary of India, growing the country’s staple crops. Clearly the farmers are not yet prepared for laissez-faire agricultural economics. It was unfortunate to see water cannons and tear gas deployed against them on their journey to Delhi. Many of the protesting farmers are senior citizens. They feed the nation and deserve respect. The protesting farmers even served food to the policemen who subjected them to such poor treatment. Meanwhile, the farmers refused to eat the lunch offered by ministers at meetings. The authorities cannot beat them with batons, spray them with tear gas and water cannons, and then offer them lunch. The government should understand that sheer oratory does not always deliver. The farmers are camped on the borders of Delhi, along with their families and children. They are cooking their meals there and sleeping under the skies in the bitter northern winter. It is difficult to ensure they follow Covid-19 protocols like wearing masks and social distancing at such protests. Hence, efforts should be made to address their grievances at the earliest opportunity. Governments should not take up contentious legislation during these difficult times to avoid mass protests and rallies. Hopefully, vaccines will curb the spread of Covid-19 by mid-2021. After this, important legislation must be discussed thoroughly in parliament before being passed. Rushing through laws is not in keeping with democratic conventions. If a government is of the people, by the people and for the people, then the people have a right to know how the new laws will affect them. Rajendra Aneja, Mumbai