As farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s hunger strike entered its 36th day, the Supreme Court is set to review the Punjab government’s actions on December 31 to ensure he receives necessary medical treatment. Dallewal, who has been protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border in Khanauri, has been demanding a legal guarantee for minimum support prices for crops, among other issues.
On December 29, a team of Punjab government officials attempted to persuade Dallewal, a 70-year-old man, to accept medical treatment. However, he refused, fearing he would be forcibly removed from the protest site. Despite this, the state officials continue to try to convince him to end his fast for medical care.
A vacation bench, consisting of Justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia, is scheduled to hear the matter virtually on December 31. The Supreme Court had criticized the Punjab government on December 28 for not taking Dallewal to a hospital, questioning the protesters’ resistance to medical aid. The Court had previously given the state government until December 31 to persuade Dallewal to accept treatment, while also offering assistance from the Centre if needed.
The Punjab government explained that it faced significant resistance from the protesting farmers, who had surrounded Dallewal to prevent his transfer to a hospital. The bench, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the state’s efforts to comply with its orders, particularly those issued on December 20. The Court also emphasized the state’s responsibility for Dallewal’s health.
On December 28, the Supreme Court noted the assurances provided by Punjab’s chief secretary, advocate general, and police chief, and allowed the state more time to take necessary steps. The bench also clarified that the Union government should provide logistical support if required.
Dallewal, who began his indefinite fast on November 26, has been the focal point of ongoing protests organized by farmers’ groups such as Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. These protests have been ongoing at border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13, after the farmers’ march to Delhi was blocked by security forces.
