The Supreme Court on Thursday criticized the Punjab government for spreading false impressions in the media about efforts to break farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s fast.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan clarified that the court has never directed the breaking of Dallewal’s protest, but is solely concerned with his health and urgently wants medical aid to be provided to him.
Justice Kant expressed concern over what appeared to be irresponsible statements from some Punjab government officials and certain farmer leaders, which were complicating the situation. “We need to check the bonafides of some farmer leaders towards Dallewal,” the Bench remarked.
In response, Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh denied any attempts to escalate the situation and assured the court that efforts are underway to persuade Dallewal to seek medical aid without ending his fast.
The Bench, noting the virtual appearance of the Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP), emphasized that the court’s message should be conveyed down the line. It directed both officials to file an affidavit detailing their compliance with the December 20 order, which instructed the Punjab government to transfer Dallewal to nearby medical facilities.
Court has set January 6 for the next hearing of the case.
Additionally, the Court issued notice to the Centre on a fresh petition filed on behalf of Dallewal.
The petition seeks a direction for the Union government to honor the promises made to protesting farmers in 2021, including the legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, which was part of the agreement after the repeal of the farm laws.
