Farmers Tighten Security At Khanauri Border As Supreme Court Orders Punjab Government To Hospitalize Fasting Leader

Farm activists at the Khanauri border have ramped up security around the protest site, fearing that the Punjab government may once again attempt to forcibly hospitalize veteran farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been fasting for over a month. This move follows the Supreme Court’s recent directive, which gave the Punjab government until December 31 to convince Dallewal to seek medical treatment.

The 67-year-old Dallewal, who began his hunger strike on November 26, is demanding that the Centre provide a legal guarantee for a minimum support price (MSP) for farmers. His protest has sparked widespread unrest and has brought significant attention to the issues faced by the farming community. On Saturday, the Supreme Court granted the Punjab government additional time to comply with its December 20 order, which had instructed authorities to hospitalize Dallewal despite his refusal.

The court also directed the Centre to provide logistical support, should the state request it. However, the Punjab government remains in a difficult position. Gurminder Singh, the Punjab Advocate General, told the court that the entire protest site is under siege by farmers who refuse to let Dallewal be moved. He warned that using force could lead to collateral damage, both for the farmers and the police.

Dallewal’s Hunger Strike And Farmers’ Resistance To Hospitalization

Dallewal’s hunger strike is part of a broader agitation led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, which are calling for systemic agricultural reforms and a legal guarantee for MSP. Despite ongoing medical advice, Dallewal has resisted hospitalization, and numerous farmer groups continue to rally behind him. Activists have set up round-the-clock vigils around the protest site, making it increasingly difficult for the police to gain access to Dallewal.

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The Supreme Court, in its latest ruling, expressed frustration with the Punjab government’s handling of the situation. The court called the state’s failure to act not just a “failure of law-and-order machinery” but an “abetment to suicide.” The bench, consisting of Justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia, condemned the government’s inability to ensure Dallewal’s hospital admission, describing the surrounding protest site as a “virtual fort.”

Court Slams Punjab Government For Supporting Protestors

During the hearing, the bench criticized the state’s actions, suggesting that the government appeared to tacitly support the protestors who are obstructing Dallewal’s hospitalization. “Your affidavit gives the impression that the state is supporting him in continuing his fast at the site,” the bench remarked. “Preventing someone who is critically unwell from receiving medical treatment is unacceptable and unheard of. This is a criminal offense and nothing short of abetment to suicide.”

In response to the court’s concerns, Punjab’s chief secretary, KAP Sinha, and Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav appeared virtually in court. Both officials face contempt proceedings for failing to comply with the court’s December 20 order regarding Dallewal’s hospitalization. They cited “fear of resistance and violence” as reasons for not intervening.

Punjab’s Advocate General, Gurminder Singh, defended the government’s position, stating that the state was “helpless” in enforcing the order. He informed the court that multiple medical boards had monitored Dallewal’s health and that senior Punjab officials, including Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, had attempted to persuade Dallewal to seek medical care. However, the resistance from Dallewal and his supporters remains firm.

Supreme Court Warns Of Strict Action If Orders Are Not Followed

As the deadline approaches, the Supreme Court has warned that it will take strict action against the Punjab government’s top officials if they fail to comply with the court’s order.

The court also questioned the motivations of those preventing Dallewal from receiving medical treatment, describing their actions as harmful to the farmer community. “What kind of farmer leaders are there who want Dallewal to die?” the bench asked. “If Dallewal is under peer pressure, what does that say about the bona fides of these so-called leaders?”

The court emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that Dallewal could continue his fast in a hospital where his health could be properly monitored. “He does not need to break his fast, but he cannot be allowed to endanger his life in this manner,” the bench stated. It urged state officials to inform the protestors that blocking Dallewal’s hospitalization is jeopardizing the future of the farmer movement.

During previous hearings on December 18 and 20, the court had cautioned that “the entire state machinery will bear the blame” if any harm comes to Dallewal. As his hunger strike enters its fifth week, the situation remains tense, with protests continuing across Punjab and Haryana.

Farm Protests Continue Amid Broader Agrarian Demands

Dallewal’s hunger strike is not just a personal protest but part of a broader push for agricultural reforms. The demands of the farmer unions include legal guarantees for MSP, debt relief for farmers, and reforms in the agricultural sector. Despite mediation efforts by a Supreme Court-appointed committee, the standoff continues, with no resolution in sight.

The committee’s recent report highlighted significant agrarian challenges in the region, including unsustainable farming practices and rising debts among farmers. It urged the government to act swiftly to address these critical issues and prevent further unrest.

As the deadline set by the Supreme Court approaches, all eyes remain on the Punjab government, with many questioning how the state will balance the demands of the protesting farmers with the legal and ethical obligation to protect the life of one of their most prominent leaders.