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No such order, only concerned about his health: Supreme Court slams Punjab officials and farmer leaders for misleading claims on Dallewal’s fast

The court explained that its directives to offer medical assistance to Dallewal should not be interpreted as an intention to interrupt his fast.

On 2nd January, the Supreme Court expressed strong disapproval regarding what it deemed a “deliberate attempt” to suggest that the apex Court wished for Jagjit Singh Dallewal (67), the farmers’ leader who has been on a hunger strike since 26th November 2024, to end his fast by accepting medical assistance.

The court explained that its directives to offer medical assistance to Dallewal should not be interpreted as an intention to interrupt his fast.

Notably, Dallewal started the fast in relation to the continuous farmers’ protests demanding a minimum support price for their crops. A panel of Justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia indicated that Dallewal should not worry that seeking medical assistance would undermine the farmers’ protests.

The court further expressed disapproval of media coverage and the responses or lack thereof from the Punjab government, which may have suggested that providing medical aid to Dallewal could be a tactic to disrupt the ongoing protests.

“There is a deliberate attempt in the media by your state government officers to give an impression that the court is pressuring him to break the fast. Our direction was not to break his fast. We only said that let his health be taken care of and he can continue his peaceful protest even when he is hospitalised. You have to persuade him from this angle. Shifting him to the hospital does not mean he will not continue his fast. There are medical facilities which will ensure that no harm is caused to his life. That is our only concern. His life is precious as a farm leader. He is not aligned to any political ideologies and he is taking care of only the farmers’ cause,” the court stated.

The Supreme Court bench added, “Once Mr Dallewal’s health is adequately addressed, he may resume his fast, certainly with the assistance of medical professionals. When we are assured that his life is not at risk, the responsibilities of the committee appointed by the court will become less complex.”

The Court made these observations during the proceedings regarding Labh Singh’s petition, which called for contempt of court measures against the Punjab Chief Secretary and the Director-General of Police for their failure to comply with the order to transfer Dallewal to a hospital.

Advocate General Gurminder Singh, representing the Punjab government, assured the court that a committee has been established comprising relevant stakeholders, and the state is making efforts to ensure that Dallewal receives the required assistance. “(The state is) not taking any sides. Issue is, we have tried to convince him to take medical help. People are on site. He is of the firm opinion, which was communicated to mediators, media that he will accept medical help subject to some intervention (talks with the relevant government regarding the farmers’ demands),” he conveyed.

Justice Kant sought clarification from the state on whether it had effectively communicated its openness to resolving the challenges encountered by the farmer. He questioned the Punjab AG, “Have you ever told him that a committee was formed just for this purpose? Don’t make us say things. Your attitude is that there should be no conciliation. That is the problem.”

The Advocate General submitted, “We have tried to convince him (Dallewal) to take medical aid as per your Lordships’ directions. Our people are on the site. He is of the firm opinion that he will definitely accept medical help subject to some intervention (by the centre).” The court pointed out, “Mr Advocate General, not even a single time your officers have gone there. Your ministers have gone there. Please don’t force us to say many things. Have you ever told them that we have constituted a committee for this purpose?”

Singh informed the bench that the committee had summoned the protesting farmers for discussions on 3rd January and that they had been told about the court-constituted panel. “There are people who are making irresponsible statements. We are aware. There are some so-called farmer leaders who are making irresponsible statements to complicate things. What are their bona fides is a matter to be looked into,” the court stated.

The court was reviewing a contempt of court petition submitted against the Chief Secretary of the State of Punjab for failing to adhere to a 20th December directive issued by the Supreme Court, which instructed the state to persuade the leader of the fasting farmers to seek medical attention. At a hearing on 28th December, the state reported that farmers were maintaining a watch to obstruct any efforts to provide medical assistance to Dallewal.

The Attorney General expressed that the state found itself in a position of helplessness. The bench reprimanded, “If state machinery says you are helpless, then do you know what is the repercussion? Court is not saying use unwanted force.”

Why are farmers protesting

The farmers are protesting, alleging that the government has failed to fulfil the promises made in 2020–2021. They are demanding for legal assurances regarding minimum support prices (MSP), debt relief, and pensions for both farmers and laborers. Additionally, they are seeking the restoration of the 2013 Land Acquisition Act and compensation for individuals who lost their lives during the protests of 2020-21.

They also blame the government for not attempting to double their incomes. Farmers affiliated with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been stationed at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since 13th February of last year, following the intervention of security forces that halted their march to Delhi.

A contingent of farmers made three attempts to proceed to Delhi on foot between 6th and 11th December, but each time they were stopped by security personnel in Haryana.

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OpIndia Staff
OpIndia Staffhttps://www.opindia.com
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