SC Issues Contempt Notice To Punjab Government Over Non-Compliance With Medical Assistance Order

The vacation bench of the Supreme Court has issued a contempt notice to the Punjab government for failing to comply with a previous order that mandated medical assistance for farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal.

The court expressed serious concern about Dallewal’s health and safety, noting that the Punjab government had not followed through on its obligation to ensure proper medical care. The case will be heard again on December 28.

Supreme Court’s Concern For Dallewal’s Health

During the hearing, the bench, led by Justice Suryakant, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “We are concerned about the life and safety of Jagjit Singh Dallewal,” the court stated.

It directed the state government to take immediate steps to provide the necessary medical assistance. The court also warned that if any law and order issues arise, the state must address them firmly.

“Someone’s life is at stake, and you need to take it seriously,” the bench remarked, expressing dissatisfaction with the apparent lack of action by the Punjab government.

Order For Report On Medical Assistance

The Supreme Court ordered the Punjab government to file a report detailing the implementation of its medical assistance order by Saturday. The court’s decision follows appeals from farmer leaders who have demanded that Dallewal ongoing medical tests, including ketone body tests, by government doctors.

They also urged the government to publicly share the results of these tests to ensure transparency and avoid any misunderstandings about his condition.

Dallewal’s Ongoing Hunger Strike

Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on an indefinite hunger strike at the Khanauri border since November 26, demanding that the central government accept the farmers’ demands, including a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

According to farmer leaders, Dallewal’s health has severely deteriorated due to his fast, which has lasted for over 30 days and is limited to only water.

Supreme Court’s Instructions

In a previous hearing, the Supreme Court had directed the Punjab government to shift Dallewal, who is 70 years old, to a temporary hospital and provide him with adequate medical treatment.

However, the court noted that the Punjab government had failed to follow its order, prompting a contempt petition filed by Lab Singh, a concerned individual, seeking contempt proceedings against the state government.

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