Delhi: The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the Punjab government for its handling of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s hunger strike at the Khanauri border, which has now entered its 33rd day. The hearing was presided over by a bench comprising Justice Suryakant and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia.
The court has also directed the Punjab government to shift the fasting farmer leader to hospital till 31 December and take care of his medical health.
During the session, the Punjab government argued that transferring Dallewal to a hospital could trigger protests by farmers. In response, the Supreme Court stated that while agitation for rights is a democratic privilege, opposing hospita
lization to prevent medical care constitutes incitement to suicide.
The bench questioned the motives of farmer leaders who opposed Dallewal’s hospitalization, emphasizing that such behavior indicates external pressure on the leader. The court expressed dissatisfaction with the Punjab government’s efforts to address the situation and facilitate Dallewal’s admission to a hospital.
Criticizing the government, the court remarked, “First, you create a problem, and then you say you can’t do anything?” It directed the Central Government to intervene and ensure that Dallewal receives the necessary medical attention.
The contempt case against the Punjab Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP), concerning their failure to comply with court orders to hospitalize Dallewal, is scheduled for another hearing on December 31.
Dallewal has been on a hunger strike since November 26, demanding legislation to guarantee a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. In the December 27 hearing, the Supreme Court requested a report from the Punjab government regarding its efforts to admit Dallewal to a hospital.