Mehta defended the court-appointed committee, stating, “Let’s not ridicule the committee established by the court.”
New Delhi, January 2, 2025: The Supreme Court on Wednesday heard a petition filed by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal seeking a statutory guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and addressing pending demands related to the farmers’ protest. The hearing also covered a contempt petition regarding Dallewal’s hospitalisation as he continues his hunger strike.
Justice J. Kant urged all parties to adopt a conciliatory approach, stating, “Madam Gill, you can play a vital role. Please don't think of confrontation. We have a committee of former judges with roots in Punjab who are all learned fellows. The committee is there; we cannot directly have a dialogue with the farmers.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta emphasized the Union Government’s concern for farmers, noting, “Instead of issuing a notice on the fresh petition, they can provide the petition directly to us.”
Advocate Gill, representing the petitioner, argued that a previous commitment by the government to resolve five pending demands had led to the withdrawal of the farmers' protest. “The last lines of the proposal indicated a guarantee to resolve the issues, which was a commitment and a promise,” Gill said, adding that multiple committees had been formed without substantive resolution.
Mehta defended the court-appointed committee, stating, “Let’s not ridicule the committee established by the court.”
Addressing Dallewal’s health, Advocate General Gurminder Singh informed the court that a medical team is onsite. However, Singh highlighted the challenges in convincing Dallewal to accept medical aid, noting his firm stance against breaking his fast.
Justice Kant expressed concern about the situation, emphasizing the need for no harm to come to Dallewal, describing him as a leader temporarily unaffiliated with any political group. The court also criticized the role of media and some farmers' leaders for making irresponsible statements.
The bench directed state officials to convey the court's concerns and efforts to the farmers while seeking a compliance report by Monday. The court will then take up the Haryana Government's plea alongside the contempt petition against Punjab authorities concerning Dallewal’s hospitalisation.
