The Supreme Court has urged medical supervision for 70-year-old farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite fast since November 26 at the Punjab-Haryana border, advocating for farmers’ rights. The court criticized the Punjab government for not ensuring necessary health checks, while emphasizing Dallewal’s health concerns and the importance of continuing the protest safely.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday emphasized the need for medical supervision for Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a 70-year-old farmer leader who has been on an indefinite fast at the Punjab-Haryana Khanauri border since November 26, pressing for farmers’ demands. Drawing parallels to Irom Sharmila, the bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan urged the Punjab government to convince Dallewal to undergo health examinations while ensuring the continuation of his protest.
The court expressed concern over Dallewal’s health, noting the lack of medical tests despite his prolonged fast and existing ailments. Justice Bhuyan remarked:
“Take the case of civil rights activist Irom Sharmila. She continued her protest for years under medical supervision. Similarly, Dallewal can also continue his protest under medical supervision.”
Criticizing the Punjab government for relying solely on statements without conducting necessary tests like blood work and ECG, the bench questioned:
“A over 70-year-old person on hunger strike for past 21 days and suffering from various ailments health is alright. How it can be?”
Justice Surya Kant emphasized the court’s intent:
“Court will talk to him (Jagjit Singh Dallewal) once we satisfy ourselves that he is safe.”
The Punjab advocate general, Gurminder Singh, was directed to persuade Dallewal to agree to medical treatment for at least a week, ensuring his safety while allowing others to continue the protest. The bench has scheduled the next hearing for December 20.
Dallewal’s indefinite fast is part of the larger farmers’ protest under banners like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on crops. Farmers have been stationed at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13, following barricades set up by Haryana authorities to halt their march to Delhi.
The situation echoes the massive farmers’ protests of 2020-2021 and highlights ongoing tensions over MSP and agricultural reforms. Despite obstacles, the protestors remain steadfast, urging the Centre to address their demands.
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