The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the immediate hospitalisation of 70-year-old farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike since November 26 at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana. Concerned about his deteriorating health, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized that any misfortune would hold the “entire state machinery” accountable.
“As an elected government and constitutional organ, you would not like to invite blame if something happened to him,” Justice Kant remarked, addressing the central and state governments.
Farmer Leader’s Worsening Health Raises Alarm
The Punjab government, represented by Advocate General Gurminder Singh, informed the court that Mr. Dallewal has refused medical treatment and remains steadfast in his decision to sacrifice his life for farmers’ rights. Despite several attempts to persuade him, the farmer leader, also a cancer patient, continues his fast-unto-death to demand a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and other grievances.
Doctors have advised immediate hospitalisation to prevent further deterioration of his health. The top court reiterated that Mr. Dallewal’s position as a leader of the farmers adds a layer of urgency, urging the protesting farmers to assist in ending the fast.
Court Offers Open Channel for Farmers
The Supreme Court clarified that farmers are welcome to approach the judiciary directly or through their representatives to address their demands. “The court’s doors are always open for suggestions or demands by farmers,” the bench stated.
Farmers, under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been protesting at the Khanauri and Shambhu borders since February 13. Attempts by groups of farmers, or “jathas,” to march to Delhi on December 6, 8, and 14 were stopped by Haryana security forces.
State’s Attempts to Engage Farmers
The Punjab government highlighted its ongoing efforts to resolve the issue, including continuous meetings with Mr. Dallewal and other farmers. A high-powered committee formed to address their grievances invited the protesting farmers for dialogue on December 17, but they declined to engage.
Justice Kant emphasized the need for swift action, reminding the government of its duty to ensure Mr. Dallewal’s safety while respecting the farmers’ rights.
The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the critical balance between safeguarding public health and addressing the demands of protesting farmers. Whether this judicial directive will de-escalate the situation remains to be seen.
Sources By Agencies