Today, On 27th December, The Supreme Court issued a notice to the Punjab government regarding a contempt plea over the non-compliance of an order to provide medical aid to Jagjit Singh Dallewal. The Court emphasized that “somebody’s life is at stake” and medical assistance must be provided urgently. The Punjab government has been accused of not following the court’s instructions.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court expressed serious concern for the life and safety of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is currently on an indefinite hunger strike. The court directed the Punjab government to take all necessary actions to ensure he receives medical assistance.
In a hearing by a vacation bench consisting of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, a notice was issued to the Punjab government regarding a contempt petition against its chief secretary for failing to comply with a previous court order about Dallewal’s medical care.
The bench stated,
“If there is a law and order situation, you have to deal with it with iron hands. Somebody’s life is at stake. You need to take it seriously. Medical aid has to be given, and the impression is that you are not following it.”
The apex court instructed the state government to submit a compliance report by Saturday, when the matter will be heard again. Dallewal has been fasting at the Khanauri border since November 26, advocating for the Centre to meet the farmers’ demands, which include a legal guarantee of minimum support prices for crops.
The court had previously criticized the Punjab government for not conducting medical tests on Dallewal, who is on an indefinite fast. Dallewal has been fasting at the Khanauri border since November 26 to urge the Centre to meet the farmers’ demands, including a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
Farmers, under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been camped at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13 after their march to Delhi was obstructed by security forces.
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The Haryana government set up barricades on the Ambala-New Delhi National Highway in February, following the announcement of the farmers’ march to Delhi in support of their demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP for their produce.
The Farmers’ Protest in India, which began in late 2020, was a massive movement by farmers opposing three agricultural laws introduced by the government. Farmers believed these laws favoured large corporations, posed a threat to their livelihoods, and undermined the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system.
The protest witnessed significant participation, especially from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, with farmers organising sit-ins at Delhi’s borders for over a year. Despite facing hardships like extreme weather and political resistance, the protest became a symbol of determination and solidarity, eventually leading to the repeal of the contentious laws in November 2021.