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.
The Supreme Court will hear a plea seeking medical aid for farmers’ leader Dallewal on January 15. On December 12, 2024, Dallewal appealed to several religious leaders, urging them to press the Central government to meet the farmers’ demands. These demands include a legal assurance of a minimum support price (MSP) for crops. The plea highlights the ongoing struggle for farmers’ rights and welfare.
The Supreme Court of India adjourned the farmers’ protest hearing until January 10, 2025, pending a report from a committee meeting with protesting farmers. Concerns regarding the health of leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a hunger strike, remain critical, with calls for medical intervention amid ongoing negotiations.
Farmers in Punjab recently observed a statewide shutdown, the ‘Punjab Bandh,’ protesting for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 24 crops. A meeting with the Supreme Court-appointed committee is scheduled for January 3. Key leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal continues a hunger strike, demanding farmers’ rights and support.
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.
The Supreme Court has granted the Punjab government until December 31 to persuade farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a hunger strike, to accept medical assistance. Security has been heightened at the Khanauri Kisan Morcha amid concerns of government intervention. Dallewal demands legal guarantees for Minimum Support Price and other farmer rights.
Today, On 20th December, The Supreme Court instructed Punjab authorities to take farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who was on an indefinite fast at the Khanauri border, to a hospital due to health concerns. Dallewal has been protesting to demand a legal guarantee for minimum support prices (MSP) on crops. The court acted after he had cooperated with medical tests earlier.
Farmers refused to meet a Supreme Court-appointed committee, wanting direct talks with the central government instead. They criticize the committee’s insensitivity towards their concerns amid ongoing protests. Jagjit Singh Dallewal highlighted ongoing issues, including police brutality against farmers and his hunger strike, emphasizing the need for immediate government dialogue.
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