Today, On 31st December, Punjab’s Advocate General informed the Supreme Court that leader Dallewal would accept medical aid only when the Centre invites farmers for talks. This statement came in response to ongoing issues concerning the farmer protests. The court had previously asked for updates on the matter. Dallewal’s condition remains a point of contention amidst the protests.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court was informed today that a proposal has been submitted to the Central government stating that if farmers are invited for talks, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal will accept medical aid.
As Justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia addressed contempt petitions against the Punjab government for failing to provide medical assistance to Dallewal, Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh informed the court that an application had been filed seeking additional time for compliance.
The Punjab AG stated,
“The intervenors spoke with them, and two developments occurred: a Punjab Bandh was declared yesterday, and no movement was allowed. Additionally, a proposal has been submitted to the Centre indicating that if they receive an invitation to talk, Dallewal will accept aid,”
Justice Kant responded,
“We are not concerned with that; we are only focused on compliance. We cannot comment on ongoing matters.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta noted that he had not yet reviewed the new affidavit.
The court scheduled the matter for January 2, stating,
“Three additional days have been requested for compliance with our directions. The AG supports this request and has made further oral submissions. Considering the circumstances, we are inclined to grant more time for compliance.”
During the last hearing, the Supreme Court questioned the intentions of farmer leaders who are preventing Dallewal from being moved to a hospital for necessary medical aid.
Justice Kant remarked,
“What kind of leaders are these who allow Mr. Dallewal to die there? Are they genuinely interested in his life, or do they want him to perish? Their bona fides are questionable; this needs evaluation.”
He emphasized,
“You must communicate that those resisting Mr. Dallewal’s hospital transfer are not his well-wishers; they are depriving the leadership of a valuable leader. Once he receives medical aid, he can lead the movement.”
Solicitor General Mehta expressed concerns about the escalating situation, stating,
“As the leaders gather more farmers at the site, the situation will worsen, not just in terms of health but also law and order.”
Justice Dhulia added,
“Somebody’s life is at stake. If you were taking this seriously, you would have provided him medical aid by now.”
The Chief Secretary and Director General of Punjab were also present virtually as per the court’s directions. Last week, due to Dallewal’s deteriorating health, the Supreme Court ordered the Punjab government to ensure his hospitalization.
Justice Kant instructed,
“Authorities must determine if he can be moved to a temporary hospital set up 700 meters from the protest site,”
The court directed the Chief Secretary, Department of Health, Punjab, and the Chairperson of the medical board to submit a fresh medical report regarding Dallewal’s health stability and the necessary steps taken.
Recently, the Supreme Court mandated that the Punjab government ensure medical aid for Dallewal, who has begun a hunger strike.
Justice Kant stated,
“He needs to be healthy to protest. The government would not want to bear blame if something happens to him. Farmers should also be concerned for his life,”
When informed that farmers were unwilling to engage with the high-powered committee appointed by the court, the Supreme Court remarked,
“The court’s doors are always open for any suggestions from the farmers.”
On December 13, the court issued an order for government engagement with farmers while safeguarding Dallewal’s well-being, emphasizing their constitutional right to protest peacefully in accordance with “Gandhian principles.”
Dallewal’s hunger strike, which commenced on November 26, is part of a broader movement demanding the legalization of Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other agricultural reforms. Farmers, under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border since February, causing significant disruptions to public movement and economic activities.
The Supreme Court previously instructed Dallewal to ensure that the ongoing protest does not obstruct highways or inconvenience the public. Notably, Dallewal was allegedly detained illegally at the protest site at the Khanauri border near Delhi. After being admitted to a hospital in Ludhiana, he approached the Supreme Court, claiming his admission was forced and amounted to detention.
Case Title
Labh Singh vs. KAP Sinha
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