Supreme Court of India is highly concerned about Punjab Farmers Union leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, whose health is reportedly deteriorating after an indefinite hunger strike that has continued since November 26, 2024.
During a recent hearing, the Court reprimanded the Punjab government for not acting fast enough and reiterated the fact that Dallewal needed medical aid on an urgent basis.
Directions from the Supreme Court
A vacation bench of Justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia directed the Punjab government to immediately provide Dallewal with the required medical attention. The Court said: “If there are law and order issues, you have to handle them firmly. Someone’s life is at stake.
It should be taken seriously. Medical help should be provided; it appears as if you are not doing it.”
It also issued a notice regarding a contempt petition against the state Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) for failing to comply with previous directions on Dallewal’s medical condition.
The Court has ordered the Punjab government to file its compliance report by December 28, 2024, and has also directed that both the Chief Secretary and the DGP be placed virtually before the Court in the next hearing.
The Punjab Government’s Response
Gurminder Singh, Advocate General for Punjab, informed the Court that a high-level delegation comprising eight cabinet ministers and the Punjab DGP visited the protest site to make attempts to convince Dallewal to accept hospitalization.
However, their persuasion was met with hostility from the farmers present. Singh stated, “We did everything on-site. If any kind of physical jostling is attempted, we cannot take a risk at all.”
The Court, however, expressed skepticism about the intentions of those people who would not allow medical intervention, remarking, “We have serious doubts about those farmers, those who are not conscious and aware and concerned for his life.”
Central Government’s Position
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, while appearing for the Central government, said Central intervention itself may create complications in the situation.
According to him, the authority to act lies with the state government: “A few people cannot hold him (Dallewal) as a hostage. One man’s life is in danger. The state government can do the needful.”
Mehta stressed that getting Dallewal admitted to the hospital should be the utmost priority.
Dallewal’s Stance
During the delegation’s visit on December 24, Dallewal handed over a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He is ready to cooperate for medical assistance, provided the government opens up dialogue with the farmers.
Background and Current Context
Jagjit Singh Dallewal – a 70-year-old farmer leader – began his hunger strike on November 26, 2024, at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana. His aim was a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops and other demands.
Over the past month, Dallewal’s health has deteriorated to the extent of cancer is affecting his well-being greatly.
To this end, the Punjab government has set up a dedicated team of doctors who will monitor Dallewal in real-time, with him after refusing medical attention till now, standing firm in his protest.
Supreme Court’s Previous Orders
The SC on December 20 left it to Punjab government doctors and officials to decide on Dallewal’s hospitalization. The Court suggested that he could be moved to a temporary hospital set up within 700 meters of the protest site.
No action has been taken so far in this regard, leading to the present rebuke from the Court.
