New Delhi, Dec 31:India’s Supreme Court on Monday granted the Punjab government until January 2, 2025, to ensure protesting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a 36-day hunger strike, receives medical treatment. The court expressed dissatisfaction with the state’s efforts so far, labeling the inaction as “abetment to commit suicide.”
Dallewal, a septuagenarian leader, has been fasting at the Punjab-Haryana border since November 26, leading demonstrations demanding a legal guarantee for minimum support prices (MSP) for crops. The protests, organized by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have intensified since February 13 after farmers were stopped from marching to Delhi.
A vacation bench of Justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia criticized Punjab authorities for failing to move Dallewal to a hospital. The bench also warned the state government of potential contempt proceedings if its orders were not followed.
“This is abetment to commit suicide,” Justice Dhulia remarked, while Justice Kant emphasized, “We are concerned with compliance of our orders.”
The court directed Punjab’s chief secretary and director general of police (DGP) to file compliance affidavits and clarified that the Union government must provide logistical support if requested by the state.
Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh informed the court that Dallewal might accept medical aid if the Centre invited protesters for talks. “There is a proposal that if the Centre invites the protesters for talks, Dallewal is ready to take medical aid,” Singh said.
Despite mobilizing over 7,000 personnel, the Punjab government faced resistance from protesters, who have surrounded Dallewal and prevented his hospitalization.
A high-level team of officials had attempted to persuade Dallewal to accept medical assistance but failed, as he feared being forcefully removed from the protest site.
The farmers demand a legal framework guaranteeing MSP for crops and a resolution of other agricultural issues. They have maintained that Dallewal’s hospitalization hinges on the Centre agreeing to formal talks.
The Supreme Court will revisit the case on January 2, 2025. Meanwhile, tensions remain high as the Punjab government navigates logistical and political hurdles to comply with the court’s directive.
The case underscores the challenges of balancing public safety and political demands in India’s ongoing farmer protests.
