The Supreme Court has strongly reprimanded the Punjab government for failing to take farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on indefinite hunger strike, to the hospital. The court has given time till December 31 to the state government to provide medical help to Dallewal. The vacation bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuiyan gave clear instructions to the Punjab government to take charge of the situation and take necessary steps to save Dallewal’s life.
Inability of Punjab government and opposition of protesters
The Punjab government informed the Supreme Court that it was becoming challenging to take Dallewal to the hospital as the protesting farmers had surrounded him and were not allowing him to be taken to the hospital. Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh told the court that a team of medical experts visited the protest site and attempted to persuade Dallewal to accept IV drip and other medical assistance. However, Dallewal refused to seek any kind of medical attention, arguing that it would weaken the purpose of the movement.
Court’s displeasure: crime of abetment of suicide
The Supreme Court expressed displeasure over this situation and questioned the role of the protesters, saying that those who are not allowing Dallewal to be taken to the hospital are committing the crime of abetment of suicide. The court advised the Punjab government to seek assistance from the central government, if necessary.
The bench said, “Dallewal is under pressure from his colleagues. The people who are not allowing him to go to the hospital are not his well-wishers.” The court also added that the government will have to decide whether their priority is to save someone’s life or succumb to political pressure.
Concern over the safety of Dallewal’s life
The Supreme Court expressed serious concern about the life and safety of Dallewal. The court gave clear instructions to the Punjab government that medical aid should be provided to Dallewal at all costs. The court issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Punjab and the Director General of Police asking why they did not follow the order of the apex court.
Dallewal’s demands and background of the movement
Jagjit Singh Dallewal is sitting on hunger strike at Khanauri border since 26th November. Their main demands include legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops and meeting other demands of farmers. His fast unto death continues to put pressure on the central government.
Punjab government received final warning
The Supreme Court has given clear instructions to the Punjab Government that all necessary steps should be taken to take Dallewal to the hospital by December 31. The court expressed hope that the state government would take immediate action to save his life.
