SC Directs Jagjit Singh Dallewal To Ensure Peaceful Protests Amid Ongoing Farmer’s Demands

The Supreme Court on Monday addressed a petition regarding Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is currently on a hunger strike at the Khanauri border, urging him to encourage protesting farmers to avoid obstructing highways and causing inconvenience to the public.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan disposed of a habeas corpus petition filed on behalf of Dallewal, who was removed from the Khanauri protest site on November 26. The bench noted that Dallewal had been released and had even persuaded another protestor to end his fast-unto-death.

The court also observed that the farmers’ issues are being considered in a pending matter.

While the bench acknowledged the right to peaceful protests, it emphasized the importance of ensuring that such actions do not disrupt public life. “The Khanauri border is essential for Punjab, and we are not making a judgment on the validity of the protest,” the bench stated, urging Dallewal to guide protestors in organizing peaceful demonstrations within the framework of the law.

Justice Kant further advised that the protests should be held without affecting the daily lives of the people. The court clarified that it was not considering Dallewal’s petition at this time but allowed him to approach the court again if needed.

Dallewal had been forcibly removed from the Khanauri border on November 26, hours before he was set to begin his hunger strike, and taken to a hospital in Ludhiana. After being discharged on November 30, he resumed his fast at the Khanauri border, continuing his push for the farmers’ demands.

Farmers have been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13, after their march to Delhi was halted by security forces. The protestors claim that the central government has not engaged with them on their issues and have been waiting for talks since February 18.

Their demands include a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), the implementation of recommendations from the Swaminathan Commission, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, a waiver of farm debts, the reinstatement of the 2013 Land Acquisition Act, and compensation for the families of farmers who died during the 2020-21 agitation.

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