Today, On 2nd January, The Supreme Court has criticized the Punjab government, emphasizing that its concern is farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s safety, not ending his fast. The Court clarified that its order to shift him to a hospital does not imply the termination of his hunger strike. The Court stressed the importance of Dallewal’s health, calling his life invaluable as a leader advocating for farmers’ rights. The Punjab government has been directed to comply with the order and prioritize Dallewal’s well-being.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court clarified that its directive to provide medical assistance to Jagjit Singh Dallewal, the fasting leader of the farmers’ protests, should not be interpreted as an intention to end his fast.
Dallewal has been fasting as part of the ongoing protests advocating for a minimum support price for crops.
A Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia reassured Dallewal that receiving medical help would not weaken the farmers’ movement.
The Court also criticized certain media reports and the actions or inactions of the Punjab government, which seemed to suggest that providing medical aid to Dallewal might be a tactic to disrupt the protests.
The Court stated,
“There is a deliberate attempt in the media by your State (Punjab) government officers to create the impression that the Court is pressuring him (Dallewal) to end his fast. Our directions were not aimed at breaking his fast. We simply stated that his health should be prioritized, and he can continue fasting thereafter. Moving him to a hospital does not imply that the fast is over. Our primary concern is to ensure his safety. His life is invaluable as a leader for farmers. He does not affiliate with any political ideologies; he solely advocates for farmers’ rights,”
Advocate General (AG) Gurminder Singh, representing the Punjab government, assured the Court that a committee has been formed with relevant stakeholders to ensure that Jagjit Singh Dallewal receives the medical assistance he needs.
The AG stated,
“The State is not taking any sides. We have tried to persuade him to accept medical help. He has communicated to mediators and the media that he is willing to accept medical assistance, but only if there are discussions regarding the farmers’ demands,”
However, Justice Kant questioned whether the State had effectively communicated its willingness to resolve the farmers’ issues.
The judge remarked,
“Have you ever informed him that a committee was created specifically for this purpose? Don’t make us say things… Your attitude seems to suggest there should be no conciliation. That is the problem. We are aware of the irresponsible statements being made and the intentions behind them. The bona fides of the farm leaders should also be examined in relation to Mr. Dallewal,”
The AG responded,
“Our officers are present on the ground. Please give us some reasonable time; we are attempting to create a positive situation.”
The Court then agreed to postpone the hearing until January 6, stating,
“We will keep this on Monday. We will also review the compliance affidavit from the chief secretary then.”
The Court was addressing a contempt petition against the Chief Secretary of Punjab for failing to comply with a December 20 order, which required the State to persuade the fasting farmers’ leader to seek medical care. It was later revealed that Dallewal was rejecting medical aid out of concern that it might weaken the farmers’ movement.
During a hearing on December 28, the State reported that other farmers were maintaining a vigil to prevent medical assistance from being provided to Dallewal, leaving the State feeling helpless, according to the AG.
The Bench had responded,
“If the State machinery claims it is helpless, do you understand the repercussions? The Court is not advocating for the use of force,”
In the last hearing on December 31, the State indicated that Dallewal might agree to medical aid if the Central government showed a willingness to engage in talks with the protesting farmers. Given the ongoing deadlock, the Court urged that efforts be made to assure the fasting leader that accepting medical aid would not undermine the protests.
The Court emphasized that once Dallewal’s health is stabilized, he could continue his fast with medical support to ensure his safety, before adjourning the hearing until Monday.
Earlier, The Supreme Court was informed about a proposal submitted to the Central government, suggesting that farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal would accept medical aid if farmers were invited for talks.
During a hearing on contempt petitions against the Punjab government for not providing medical assistance to Dallewal, Justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia informed by Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh. He stated that an application had been filed, requesting additional time to comply with the court’s directions.
During the last hearing, the Supreme Court expressed concern over the actions of farmer leaders preventing Jagjit Singh Dallewal from being moved to a hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Somebody’s life is at stake. If you were taking this seriously, you would have provided him medical aid by now.”
In compliance with the court’s directions, the Chief Secretary and Director General of Punjab participated virtually. The Supreme Court earlier directed the Punjab government to ensure Dallewal’s hospitalization following reports of his worsening health.
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
GUNINDER KAUR GILL NEXT FRIEND OF JAGJIT SINGH DALLEWAL Versus UNION OF INDIA
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