The Supreme Court has deferred the hearing on farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s transfer to a hospital to January 2, after Punjab government officials requested additional time to comply with the court’s December 20 order. Dallewal, who is on an indefinite hunger strike, has now entered the 35th day of his protest.
On December 29, a team of Punjab government officials attempted to persuade the ailing 70-year-old leader to accept medical assistance, but he refused, fearing that accepting treatment could lead to his forceful removal from the protest site. The court had initially set a deadline of December 31 for the state to ensure Dallewal’s treatment.
Advocate General Gurminder Singh, representing the Punjab government, informed the vacation bench that talks with the farmers at the protest site are ongoing and efforts are being made to move Dallewal to a makeshift hospital at the Khanauri border. The court acknowledged Singh’s submission but emphasized that it seeks only compliance with its earlier directives.
In a previous ruling, the Supreme Court allowed the Punjab government to seek logistical support from the Centre if necessary to ensure Dallewal’s transfer to a hospital.
On December 29, Dallewal released a video message, calling on the Centre to address farmers’ concerns. He also thanked the people of Punjab for supporting the successful Punjab bandh organized by farmers’ forums.
Farmer leaders under the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-political) banner have been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders since February 13, demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), debt relief, pensions, no increase in electricity tariffs, and justice for the Lakhimpur Kheri incident.
The court’s latest order allows the Punjab government additional time to resolve the situation, but it has expressed dissatisfaction with the progress made thus far.
