SC Grants Punjab Govt More Time to Address Medical Aid for Farmers’ Leader Dallewal

SC Grants Punjab Govt More Time to Address Medical Aid for Farmers’ Leader Dallewal

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New Delhi, December 31:

The Supreme Court, on December 31, granted the Punjab Government additional time to comply with its directions to provide medical aid to farmer protest leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike since November 26.

A vacation bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia scheduled the next hearing of the contempt petition against Punjab’s Chief Secretary and DGP for January 2, 2024.

Punjab Advocate General Gurwinder Singh informed the court about efforts to ensure compliance, including mobilizing 7,000 personnel at the protest site. However, disruptions caused by the Punjab Bandh held by farmers’ organisations created blockades and delays. He conveyed the farmers’ proposal that Dallewal would accept medical aid if the Centre agrees to engage in talks.

As per the negotiators, there is a proposal given by the farmers to the Central Government that if they get an invite for a talk, then Mr. Dallewal is ready to take medical aid as desired,” the AG stated while seeking more time for compliance.

Justice Surya Kant responded, “We will not comment on what is going on, about negotiations…If something happens which is acceptable to all sides, we are equally happy. As of now, we are only concerned with the compliance of our orders.” Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated he had no instructions on the Punjab AG’s submissions.

The apex court bench dictated its order, stating:

An application has been moved on behalf of the officers of the State of Punjab seeking an additional three days time for achieving the desired outcome, inter-alia for reasons which are listed in the application…Advocate General, while supporting the prayer, has made some additional oral submissions as well. Taking into the consideration the totality of circumstances and keeping the interest of justice in view, we are inclined to accept the request to afford some more time for compliance with the directions issued by the Court.”

The Chief Secretary and DGP of Punjab, who were virtually present during this hearing, are required to attend the next session virtually as well.

On December 28, the Court expressed dissatisfaction with the Punjab Government’s compliance report on Dallewal’s hospitalisation, calling it “absolutely unsatisfied.”

Dallewal, who is a cancer patient and suffers from age-related ailments, has been on a hunger strike at the Khanauri border, demanding the Union Government provide a statutory guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. The Punjab State authorities reported concerns of “collateral damage” to lives and property if he is forcibly moved.

The Court had earlier directed the State to shift Dallewal to a temporary hospital located 700 meters from the protest site or to another well-equipped medical facility. Authorities noted that resistance from the farmers and calls for youth mobilisation were creating a “siege-like” situation. The bench remarked on the “violent face of the so-called agitation.”

While Punjab AG Singh urged the Centre to intervene, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta expressed concerns that such interference could worsen the situation.

The bench is hearing a contempt petition for non-compliance with its December 20 order, which mandated immediate hospitalisation for Dallewal based on his medical reports.

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