Punjab, January 3 — The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed strong disapproval of the Punjab government and some farmer leaders for making “irresponsible statements” regarding efforts to address the indefinite hunger strike by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. The court clarified that its concerns were solely for Dallewal’s health and not an attempt to undermine his protest.
A bench consisting of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan did not hold back and criticized the state government for allegedly suggesting through media that the court ordered Dallewal to end his fast. “The directions we issued were not to stop him from his peaceful protest, rather, it was to provide him with necessary medical attention,” the bench remarked, noting that such depictions can make it difficult for Dallewal to receive help.
Dallewal, 70, is on hunger strike at the Khanauri border of Punjab and Haryana since the 26th of November, hoping to resolve issues around farmers earning from their crops through a legal assurance of minimum support price. The court noted that Dallewal, an independent farmer leader focused on the farmers’ cause, is an invaluable voice for the agricultural community.
Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh told the bench that the state was trying to convince Dallewal to receive medical assistance required by the court-mandated committee and meet with it. However, the bench criticized the state’s approach, suggesting it lacked genuine efforts for conciliation. “Your ministers and officials are creating confusion instead of ensuring clarity,” Justice Surya Kant remarked.
The court instructed Punjab’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, who appeared virtually, to ensure compliance with its December 20 directive to move Dallewal to nearby medical facilities if his health deteriorates. The bench reaffirmed that hospitalization would not obstruct his protest and stressed that medical care should not be delayed further.
Dallewal has reportedly conveyed through mediators and media that he would consider medical aid under specific conditions. The court expressed its displeasure over the government’s inability to communicate effectively and warned of stepping in if the situation worsened.
The apex court has scheduled the next hearing for January 6 and directed top officials to submit affidavits on the compliance measures taken so far. Meanwhile, the makeshift hospital, set up 700 meters from the protest site, remains ready for Dallewal’s care.
