Supreme Court reviews Punjab’s steps to aid ailing farmer leader Dallewal today
The Supreme Court will review Punjab’s actions to ensure medical care for farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal on Tuesday, December 31. Dallewal, a septuagenarian, has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 36 days, protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border in Khanauri. Farmers demand a legal guarantee for minimum support prices and other agricultural reforms.
On December 29, Punjab officials urged Dallewal to accept medical aid, but he refused. He feared forceful removal from the protest site. Farmers surrounding him blocked efforts to move him to a hospital. Despite this, the Supreme Court has directed Punjab to prioritize his health.
On December 28, a vacation bench of Justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia criticized Punjab for not hospitalizing Dallewal. The court questioned the protesters’ resistance to medical aid and expressed dissatisfaction with the state’s efforts. It reminded Punjab of its responsibility to ensure Dallewal’s well-being.
The bench gave Punjab until December 31 to comply. It also permitted the state to seek logistical support from the Centre. Punjab’s Advocate General, Chief Secretary, and Director General of Police assured the court they would act swiftly. The bench requested compliance affidavits from both the Chief Secretary and the DGP.
Since November 26, Dallewal has fasted at the Khanauri border. Farmers under Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been protesting there since February 13. Security forces earlier stopped their march to Delhi.
The Supreme Court first addressed the issue on December 20. It left the decision to hospitalize Dallewal to Punjab officials and doctors. However, the lack of progress prompted the court to demand stronger action. It emphasized the state’s obligation to safeguard Dallewal’s health.
Tuesday’s virtual hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. The court, in winter recess since December 21, resumes regular sessions on January 2, 2025.
The ongoing hunger strike highlights broader agricultural concerns. Farmers insist on government accountability and a legal framework for minimum support prices. The Supreme Court’s intervention reflects the urgency of addressing both individual and systemic issues.
As Punjab balances legal orders and protester resistance, the outcome could set a precedent for handling future agricultural protests. All eyes now turn to the December 31 hearing for a resolution.
