SC directs Punjab Govt to ensure hospitalisation of fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal
New Delhi, Dec 27 (Representative) The Supreme Court on Friday strongly reprimanded the Punjab government for failing to shift farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for over a month, to a hospital despite repeated medical advice. A Vacation Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, hearing a contempt petition against the Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP), demanded immediate compliance with its December 20 directive to provide adequate medical aid to Dallewal.“This is a serious matter. Someone’s life is at stake,” remarked Justice Dhulia, expressing dissatisfaction with the state government’s approach. “The impression we get is that you are not taking this situation seriously.” Punjab Advocate General (AG) Gurminder Singh informed the Court that eight cabinet ministers had visited Dallewal on December 24 to persuade him to seek medical attention.Dallewal handed over a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, suggesting that the Centre’s intervention could diffuse the situation. Justice Kant acknowledged the issue, stating, “The diffusing of the situation—whatever can be done from our platform, we will do it.We will also ask for help from the central government.”
He further noted, “Normally, the state governments request the central government, and then the official mechanism can be followed.” Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta agreed with this approach but emphasized, “Diffusing is a secondary thing; the priority right now is to ensure medical aid.” The SG also added, “Our interference might have some complications.”AG Singh stated that Dallewal had indicated a willingness to cooperate if a dialogue was initiated. However, he cited resistance from some farmers at the site as a significant challenge to shifting Dallewal.Justice Kant, addressing the AG, said, “You can assure Mr. Dallewal that the moment he is fine, we will have his viewpoint, and we will ask the SG to also be present. These are normal procedures which will be followed.” The SG emphasized, “Let him shift first.
A few people cannot hold him hostage when his life is in danger.” Justice Kant expressed doubts about the intentions of certain protesting farmers, saying, “We have serious doubts about those farmers who are not conscious and concerned about his life.” The Bench directed the Punjab government to take all necessary steps to shift Dallewal to a hospital and ordered the Chief Secretary and DGP to appear online in Court on Saturday with a compliance report. AG Singh reiterated that while the state would take all measures, any physical confrontation during the shifting would be avoided. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on a hunger strike at the Khanauri border in Sangrur district, Punjab, demanding attention to farmers’ issues. The matter will be heard further on Saturday.