Supreme Court Directs Punjab To Prioritize Health Of Protesting Farmer Leader

The Supreme Court has directed the Punjab government to ensure medical assistance and regular health check-ups for farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for 23 days. The 70-year-old cancer patient is protesting at Khanpur, the Punjab-Haryana border, demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), loan waivers, and agricultural reforms.

A two-member bench led by Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan stressed that Dallewal’s health must remain the state’s top priority. Punjab’s Advocate General informed the court that a temporary hospital had been established near the protest site. However, Dallewal has refused medical treatment.

Court Urges Medical Assistance for Dallewal

The apex court instructed the state government to persuade Dallewal to accept medical aid for a week. The bench assured farmers that no attempts were being made to uproot their protest, allowing others to continue peacefully. The next hearing is scheduled for next Friday, where Dallewal’s medical report will be reviewed.

Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav, alongside Union Ministry of Home Affairs Director Mayank Mishra, met Dallewal on Sunday as per the Supreme Court’s directive. This marked the first meeting between the Union government and a farmer leader since February.

Panel Formed for Resolution of Farmer Grievances

The Supreme Court previously constituted a panel in September, chaired by Justice Nawab Singh, to mediate between protesting farmers and authorities. The panel was tasked with addressing grievances and clearing highways blocked by protesters while suggesting alternative sites for peaceful demonstrations.

The court has rejected a fresh plea seeking immediate highway clearance, emphasizing that the matter is already under its purview. It reiterated that no repeated petitions on the same issue would be entertained, though counsel was invited to assist in the pending matter.

The panel includes former Haryana DGP B.S. Sandhu, agricultural economist Dr. Sukhpal Singh, and others, reflecting the court’s focus on resolving the protests amicably while balancing public interest.

The Supreme Court continues to prioritize the health and concerns of protesting farmers while addressing the broader public impact of the demonstrations.

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