Supreme Court on Dallewal: The Supreme Court on Friday (27 December) expressed concern over the deteriorating health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for the last one month, which started from 26 November. The court directed the Punjab government to ensure that Dallewal gets necessary medical attention.
The Supreme Court bench said, “If there is a law and order situation then you have to deal with it strictly. Someone’s life is at stake. You need to take it seriously. Medical aid should be given and it seems that You are not following it.”
Notice issued to Punjab Chief Secretary and DGP
The vacation bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia also issued notice in connection with the contempt petition against the state Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) for non-compliance of previous orders. The court ordered the Punjab government to submit the compliance report by December 28. When the case will be heard again, the Chief Secretary and DGP were also instructed to be virtually present during the hearing.
‘Farmers protested against being taken to hospital’
During the proceedings, Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh told the court that a delegation of eight cabinet ministers and the Punjab DGP had gone to the protest site to convince Dallewal to take him to the hospital, but the farmers opposed it. He said, “We have provided everything at the spot. We cannot take that risk if someone physically assaults us.” To this the bench replied, “We have serious doubts about those farmers who are not alert and aware and are not concerned about their lives.”
Government’s statement on Centre’s interference in the matter
When the bench wondered whether the Center could provide assistance to the state government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that difficulties could arise due to the Centre’s interference. Mehta said, “Some people cannot keep Dallewal hostage. A person’s life is in danger. The state government can take measures.” Mehta said that getting Dallewal admitted to the hospital should be a priority.
Dallewal’s letter to PM Modi
Punjab’s Advocate General told the court that Dallewal had submitted a letter addressed to the Prime Minister when a delegation met him on December 24. In the letter, Dallewal said that he would be ready to cooperate for medical aid only when the government starts talks with the farmers.
On December 20, the Supreme Court had left the decision of Dallewal’s hospitalization to the Punjab government officials and doctors. The court had said that 70-year-old Dallewal could be taken to a temporary hospital set up within 700 meters of the protest site on the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana.
