Supreme Court Urges Punjab to Ensure Medical Supervision for Fasting Farmer Leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal

Keywords: Jagjit Singh Dallewal, Supreme Court, indefinite fast, Punjab-Haryana border, minimum support price (MSP), farmers’ protest

The Supreme Court on Thursday urged the Punjab government to ensure medical supervision for 70-year-old farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite fast since November 26, 2024, at the Punjab-Haryana Khanauri border. The Court emphasized the importance of safeguarding his health while respecting his right to protest.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, hearing the matter, rebuked the Punjab government for its failure to conduct medical examinations on Dallewal, citing the risks posed by his prolonged hunger strike. “An over 70-year-old person on hunger strike for the past 21 days and suffering from various ailments cannot be declared ‘alright’ without basic medical tests,” the Court observed, questioning whether blood tests, ECGs, or other necessary investigations had been carried out.

Historical Parallel with Irom Sharmila

In its deliberation, the bench invoked the case of civil rights activist Irom Sharmila, who famously sustained her 16-year hunger strike under medical supervision. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan remarked, “Similarly, Dallewal can continue his protest under medical supervision,” underscoring the Court’s focus on maintaining his health while allowing the demonstration to persist.

Farmers’ Demands and Protest

Dallewal’s hunger strike is part of a larger farmers’ agitation under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. The protesters have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 2024, following their thwarted march to Delhi. Their primary demands include a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops and other farmer-centric policies.

The Haryana government had set up barricades along the Ambala-New Delhi National Highway in February to prevent the farmers’ march to Delhi, resulting in their indefinite sit-in protests at the borders.

Court’s Directions

During the hearing, the Supreme Court highlighted its intent to ensure Dallewal’s safety and well-being. Justice Surya Kant stated, “The Court will talk to him once we satisfy ourselves that he is safe.”

The bench instructed Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh to convince Dallewal to undergo medical treatment for at least one week while allowing others to continue the protest. The Court emphasized that its intervention was aimed at protecting Dallewal’s life, not disrupting the ongoing farmers’ protest.

Singh sought a day’s time to convey the Court’s sentiments to Dallewal and persuade him to accept medical supervision. The matter has been adjourned for further hearing on December 20, 2024.

Significance of the Case

Dallewal’s indefinite fast and the larger farmers’ protest underscore the continuing struggle for agricultural reforms in India, with MSP as a central demand. The Supreme Court’s involvement reflects the judiciary’s delicate balancing act between protecting civil liberties and ensuring the physical safety of protest leaders.

As the farmers’ agitation continues, the Court’s observations signal the importance of upholding democratic rights while prioritizing the health and safety of those leading the movement.

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