Supreme Court Criticizes Punjab Government Over Handling of Dallewal’s Hunger Strike
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed strong disapproval of the Punjab government’s handling of its December 20 order concerning the hospitalization of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. The farmer representative has been on a fast-unto-death protest for over a month without receiving medical aid.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan accused the Punjab government and sections of the media of creating a false narrative that the Court is attempting to disrupt Dallewal’s hunger strike. “This is a deliberate attempt to project that we are trying to break his fast. That is entirely untrue. Our priority is to safeguard his health and life,” the bench emphasized.
The judges reiterated that Dallewal could continue his protest from the hospital, saying, “His life is precious. Once his health is secured, we can focus on resolving all related issues.”
Justice Kant admonished Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh, stating, “Government representatives and farmer leaders are making irresponsible statements to fuel tensions. If the state is unable to manage the situation, we will exercise our authority under the Constitution.”
The Court directed the Punjab Chief Secretary and DGP to submit compliance affidavits by Monday, with a hearing on Dallewal’s health scheduled the same day.
MSP Guarantee in Focus
The Court also addressed a separate PIL seeking enforcement of the Centre’s 2021 commitment to deliberate on a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP). The Court asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to consult with the Centre and provide instructions on the matter.
Justice Kant noted the Court’s limitations in direct negotiations with farmers, highlighting the establishment of a high-powered committee to address their demands. “The committee, led by a retired high court judge with agricultural expertise, includes representatives from both farmers and agricultural stakeholders,” the bench said, urging the Centre and the committee to present their feedback on the PIL within 10 days.
The PIL petitioner argued that the farmers had called off their agitation in December 2021 following an assurance from the Union Agriculture Ministry. The ministry had promised a committee to ensure farmers receive MSP, a commitment that remains unresolved.
The Supreme Court’s observations reflect growing concern over the stalemate and emphasize the need for both the Punjab government and the Centre to address the farmers’ grievances promptly.
