Supreme Court Criticizes Farmers for Obstructing Medical Aid to Jagjit Singh Dallewal
The court proposed verifying Dallewal’s condition during the next hearing via video conferencing.
Supreme Court on Jagjit Singh Dallewal's Hunger Strike Latest News: The Supreme Court on Friday expressed serious concerns over reports that protesting farmers are obstructing efforts by the Punjab government to provide medical assistance to Jagjit Singh Dallewal. The farmer leader has been on a hunger strike since November 26, demanding a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
A Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia conveyed its disapproval of the protestors' actions, questioning their motives. "We have serious doubts about farmers who are creating obstacles to providing him medical aid," the Bench remarked.
Call for Immediate Medical Intervention
The court directed the Punjab government to ensure that Dallewal receives the necessary medical care without delay. "The State must take all measures to ensure that he is given the required aid," Justice Kant emphasized, adding that the Court's primary concern was Dallewal's health and safety.
The Bench made the observations while hearing a contempt petition against Punjab's Chief Secretary for failing to comply with the Supreme Court's December 20 order. The earlier directive had urged the State to persuade Dallewal to seek hospitalization to monitor his deteriorating health.
Court's Concerns About State Compliance
During the special hearing held amid the court's winter recess, the judges expressed dissatisfaction with the State’s actions. Justice Dhulia noted, "Somebody's life is at stake. Medical aid must be prioritized, and the impression is that the State is not taking this seriously."
The court proposed verifying Dallewal’s condition during the next hearing via video conferencing, underscoring its intent to ensure his safety.
Punjab Government's Defense
Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh informed the Bench that a delegation of senior cabinet ministers had met Dallewal to address his concerns. However, the court found this insufficient and demanded a compliance affidavit from the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police by Saturday.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also emphasized the urgency of hospitalization, asserting that the State must act decisively. The Punjab AG, however, clarified that no physical coercion would be used to shift Dallewal, citing the sensitive nature of the situation.
Protests at the Heart of the Standoff
Dallewal’s indefinite hunger strike at the Khanauri border has drawn widespread attention as part of the farmers' protests against the Central government. The demonstrators have been demanding MSP guarantees and other policy changes.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had directed the Punjab government to establish a makeshift hospital near the Khanauri border to monitor Dallewal’s health around the clock. Despite these orders, Friday’s proceedings highlighted the ongoing challenges in implementing the court’s directives.
The matter is set to be revisited after the submission of compliance reports by Punjab authorities, as the court reiterated its priority: safeguarding Dallewal's life while addressing the farmers' broader demands.