As Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s indefinite hunger strike entered its 35th day on Monday, the Supreme Court is set to review the Punjab government’s efforts to provide medical care to the ailing farmer leader on December 31.
On December 29, Punjab government officials attempted to convince the 70-year-old protester to accept medical treatment, but he refused, fearing a forced removal from the protest site.
Farmers have been staging protests at the Punjab-Haryana border in Khanauri, demanding a legal guarantee for minimum support prices (MSP) for crops, among other issues.
A high-level state government team met Dallewal, urging him to seek medical attention while continuing his fast.
A vacation bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia will virtually hear the case on December 31 at 11 a.m. The Supreme Court, currently on a winter break since December 21, will resume regular hearings on January 2, 2025.
On December 28, the apex court criticized the Punjab government for failing to hospitalize Dallewal and questioned the farmers’ resistance to providing him with medical aid.
The court granted the state until December 31 to persuade Dallewal to accept hospitalization, allowing it to seek logistical support from the central government if necessary.
The Punjab government reported significant resistance from protesters surrounding Dallewal, preventing officials from moving him to a hospital.
“We are not satisfied with the efforts made so far by the Punjab government, especially regarding our December 20 order,” the bench remarked.
However, noting assurances from the state’s advocate general, chief secretary, and director general of police, the court granted additional time for compliance.
“It is clarified that if the Punjab government requires assistance, we direct the Union of India to provide necessary logistical support,” the court stated on December 28, scheduling the next hearing for December 31.
The court also directed the chief secretary and Punjab DGP to submit compliance affidavits.
Earlier, on December 20, the bench left the decision on Dallewal’s hospitalization to state officials and medical professionals, emphasizing the government’s responsibility for his health.
Dallewal has been on a hunger strike at the Khanauri border since November 26. Farmers under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13, after their march to Delhi was blocked by security forces.
