Justice Kant stated, “If Punjab faces resistance, we will direct the Union to provide logistical support."
Supreme Court on Jagjit Singh Dallewal Health Update Latest News Today: The Supreme Court of India held an urgent hearing today regarding the deteriorating health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a hunger strike in Punjab. Despite medical interventions on-site, Dallewal has refused hospitalization, citing concerns about undermining the farmers' protest.
The hearing highlighted the tension between protecting Dallewal’s life and managing the volatile situation at the protest site, which remains under siege by farmer groups resisting his evacuation.
State’s Compliance Questioned
Advocate General for Punjab, Gurwinder Singh, informed the court that two medical boards, including specialists from AIIMS, had been providing medical care to Dallewal. Tests were conducted on November 19 and December 24, and expert opinions were sought. However, Singh admitted that Dallewal declined hospitalisation, claiming it would dilute the protest’s cause.
The bench, led by Justice J.B. Pardiwala, Justice P.S. Narasimha, and Justice Suryakant, expressed dissatisfaction with the state’s approach. Justice Kant questioned, “Who allowed this situation to escalate to this point? If there’s resistance to lawful action, you must confront it. What kind of farmer leaders are allowing this to happen?”
Central Government’s Role
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Haryana government, warned that Dallewal’s health and law-and-order situation would worsen with each passing day. He emphasized the urgency of diffusing the crisis and suggested Central assistance.
Justice Kant stated, “If Punjab faces resistance, we will direct the Union to provide logistical support. The life of the farmer leader must be saved, and those obstructing his hospitalisation are not acting in his best interest.”
Concerns Over Collateral Damage
The Punjab government argued that forcibly shifting Dallewal could lead to collateral damage and exacerbate tensions at the protest site. “The site is under siege by farmers, and any forced action could escalate violence,” Singh explained.
The court remained unconvinced. Justice Kant remarked, “Starvation is a serious condition. If you cannot save one life without risking others, it reflects poorly on governance.”
Court’s Observations and Orders
The court observed that the state had not fully complied with its December 20 order to ensure Dallewal’s safety. It directed the Union government to provide logistical support to Punjab if required and scheduled further proceedings for December 31.
“We are deeply concerned about saving the life of the farmer leader,” the court emphasized, while also warning of potential contempt charges against Punjab’s DGP and Chief Secretary if adequate action is not taken.
