Expressing deep concerns over the deteriorating health of Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for the past 18 days, the Supreme Court on Monday issues directions to the Centre and Punjab governments to provide him immediate medical aid. The apex court also advised the governments not to use any force against the farmers and ensure Dallewal’s safety.
“Dallewal must be given medical assistance immediately. His life is more valuable than the agitation. Please engage in direct communication with him”, a bench led by Justice Surya Kant instructed Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
Protesting for the pending demands of the farmers including guaranteed Minimum Support Price the Kisan Ekta Morcha leader Dallewal has been on a hunger strike at the Khanauri border between Haryana and Punjab since November 26. The Bench also observed that it is the responsibility of both the Punjab and Central governments to provide necessary medical aid to Dallewal in a peaceful manner. His fast should only be broken as a last resort to save his life.”
The court directed government representatives to meet with farmer leaders immediately and convince Dallewal to accept medical help. The next hearing of the case is scheduled for December 17. The Supreme Court also noted that Justice Nawab Singh, head of the high-level committee formed to resolve farmers’ issues at the Shambhu border, is currently abroad and the committee’s work will progress upon his return.
Dallewal along with farmer leader Sarvan Singh Pandher have been protesting under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha since February 13. They are demanding a legal guarantee for minimum support prices (MSP), implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pensions for farmers and laborers, farm loan waivers, restoration of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, and compensation for families of farmers who lost their lives during the 2020-21 protests.
With the farmers having given a call for another attempt to launch the Delhi March on December 14, the Supreme Court emphasized, “In a democracy, peaceful protests are the right of citizens, but public inconvenience must be avoided. The Khanauri border is Punjab’s lifeline. We are not commenting on whether the protest is right or wrong.”
