New Delhi: This is 23rd day of the protest where thousands of farmers protesting against Centre in Delhi in a demand to quash the farm laws. The farmers' protest at the borders of Delhi must continue and the national capital cannot be blocked, the Supreme Court said on Thursday while hearing a series of petitions on the issue.

Chief Justice of India SA Bobde, who had said that the matter must be handed over to a committee, said the panel must have "independent members with knowledge of agriculture and hear both sides and submit report on what is to be done". On the other side, the "protests can continue without violence and the police will not do anything (to stop the protests)," the Chief Justice said.

However, the apex court said that the protesters cannot block the roads leading destruction to life or property.

"Protest's purpose must be fulfilled by non-violent means. Protests must be about issues. Aggrieved parties must be allowed to articulate and the party that caused the problem must be allowed to answer," said Chief Justice Bobde was quoted as saying by NDTV.

The CJI said the SC bench will hear Harish Salve, advocate OP Parihar on behalf of the petitioners on the issue of the tenure of the current agitation.

Meanwhile, Attorney General KK Venugopal stated that none of the protestors wear a face mask while sitting together in large numbers. He said, "Coronavirus is a concern, they will visit villages and spread it there. Farmers cannot violate the fundamental rights of others."