The matter was part of a contempt of court petition filed against the Chief Secretary of Punjab for failing to comply with a court order directing the State to persuade Dallewal to seek medical care. Earlier, the Court was told that Dallewal had resisted medical assistance out of concern that it might weaken the farmers’ movement.
NEW DELHI: The Punjab government informed the Supreme Court on Wednesday(22nd Jan) that farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite fast, has started taking medical assistance, which has improved his health condition. Dallewal has been fasting as part of the ongoing farmers’ protests demanding a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
Punjab Advocate General (AG) Gurminder Singh informed the Bench of Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta, and Ujjal Bhuyan that Dallewal has been shifted to a temporary hospital near the protest site.
Singh also told the Court that a high-level delegation from the Union government met with farmers, including Dallewal, on January 18. It was decided that further discussions would take place on February 14 in Chandigarh.
The Court observed that Dallewal could be requested to travel to Chandigarh a few days before the talks to receive proper medical treatment at PGIMER, Chandigarh.
Justice Surya Kant remarked, “He can go to Chandigarh in advance … and take necessary medical care for his effective participation in the meeting.”
The Bench acknowledged Dallewal’s influence among the farming community. “He is highly popular among farmers and has good original ideas on how the issue is to be taken up,” it noted.
The matter was part of a contempt of court petition filed against the Chief Secretary of Punjab for failing to comply with a court order directing the State to persuade Dallewal to seek medical care. Earlier, the Court was told that Dallewal had resisted medical assistance out of concern that it might weaken the farmers’ movement.
On December 28, the State explained that other farmers were closely monitoring the situation to prevent any attempts to force medical care on Dallewal.
During the December 31 hearing, the State indicated that Dallewal might accept medical assistance if the Central government showed willingness to engage with the protesting farmers. AG Singh reported that following the positive steps, including the Centre’s delegation meeting with the farmers, several protestors ended their fast and agreed to continue discussions.
Despite the progress, Dallewal remains on his fast. The Court expressed optimism regarding his health.
“We are sanguine that the condition at the site will improve and all the stakeholders will be able to take some appropriate decision and will resolve the future course of action, which may be in the national interest and will be beneficial for all and one, including the farmers community,” the Court said.
Later, the Supreme Court stayed the contempt proceedings against Punjab Chief Secretary until further notice.
“We are also informed the High Powered Committee headed by Justice Nawab Singh also had a long interaction with Mr. Dallewal and other farmer leaders and they are also working in the direction to resolve the impending issues,” the Court added, adjourning the matter until next month.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal appeared on behalf of the Punjab government, while Solicitor General Tushar Mehta represented the Union government.
