The Supreme Court’s vacation bench is demanding a compliance report on farmer leader Dallewal’s hospitalization tomorrow

The Supreme Court today (December 27) clearly stated that the Punjab government must do everything in its power to ensure that law and order is maintained in the state Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, Those who have been fasting for more than 20 days at the Khanauri border will receive immediate and appropriate medical attention.

The court has requested a compliance report in this regard tomorrow at 11am.

A holiday bank of Justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia heard a contempt plea against the Chief Secretary of Punjab for failing to comply with the court’s order to provide immediate medical assistance to Dallewal.

The court was hearing Haryana’s plea against Punjab and the Haryana High Court’s direction to unblock the Shambhu border between the states of Punjab and Haryana. The border was closed in February this year due to farmers’ protests, prompting demands such as a legal guarantee on the minimum support price for crops. In September, the court set up a high-level committee to hold negotiations with farmers protesting at the Shambhu border between the states of Punjab and Haryana.

By resolution of December 18th the Attorney General for the State of Punjab Gurwinder Singh had told the court that Dallewal required immediate hospitalization. In view of these submissions, the court ordered the decisionState authorities must take all necessary steps and ensure that he is properly hospitalized.

Dallewal’s medical reports were then submitted to the court, which stated that his condition was deteriorating. Therefore, the court reiterated that it is the constitutional duty and responsibility of the State of Punjab to ensure that no harm comes to the life of Dallewal.

In its latest order dated December 20, the court observed that the Punjab authorities can decide whether to shift Dallewal to the makeshift hospital (temporary hospital said to have been constructed 700 meters from the site) or to another well-equipped one Hospital.

A fresh medical report on the stability of Dallewal’s health condition and the measures taken in the meantime to prevent irreversible damage to his health should be submitted by the Chief Secretary of Punjab as well as the Chairman of the Medical Board set up to monitor Dallewal’s health condition upon reopening of the Court of Justice on January 2nd. However, the Court had to hear the contempt suit, which alleges that the State of Punjab is not taking adequate measures to ensure that Dallewal receives adequate medical attention.

When the matter came up today, Singh initially stated that an eight-member delegation of cabinet ministers along with the DGP of Punjab met the protesting farmers to convince Dallewal to shift to a hospital. He added: “The farmers vehemently oppose his relocation. So we provided everything on site.”

Responding to this, Justice Kant said that although the court would not issue any directions today, the State of Punjab must ensure that law and order issues are dealt with appropriately. He said: “If some people create law and order problems, that is your business. You have to fight it with an iron hand.

Justice Dhulia also added: “Please take this very seriously Mr. Gurwinder Singh. Someone’s life is at stake.“

When Singh replied that the state was “looking into this matter very seriously”, the court did not like this and both judges replied that it appeared the court’s order had been complied with.

Justice Dhulia remarked: “Perhaps you are not taking this seriously, otherwise you would have provided medical help by now! Our impression is that you are not complying.”

Judge Kant added: “We are concerned about how quickly your authorities will respond and whatever the legal requirements may be.” To Attorney General Tushar Mehta Suggestion the court has requested a compliance report tomorrow instead of a status report.

Justice Dhulia today suggested that the Union could assist the Punjab government in resolving the issue appropriately. However, Mehta hinted that the Union’s interference could make the current situation worse. He responded to Justice Dhulia’s suggestion: “Our interference could bring complications.”

Contrary to Mehta’s opinion, which expressed the Union’s stand, Singh said: “When I took the instructions in the morning, the ministerial team, which consisted of eight cabinet ministers led by the senior minister, delivered a letter dated December 24, 2024 to the address every day on December 24th (December) when we conducted the medical examination .” I would like to tell the honorable Prime Minister that if the Center can intervene, it would definitely defuse the situation, which is part of your Lordship’s final instructions on December 20, which the The state government will make efforts to defuse the situation.”

Singh added: “He says only if a dialogue is opened will he be willing to cooperate for medical help.”

Mehta reiterated that shifting Dallewal to a hospital should be a top priority. He pointed out that there were few farmers “cannot be held hostage when his life is in danger.”“.

Singh, however, added that the state could not take that risk if there were any “physical bumps” at the time of Dallewal’s transfer. Judge Kant remarked: “We have serious doubts about these farmers who are not aware of his life and are not worried about his life.”

Mehta suggested this “All possible measures should be taken“To transfer Dallewal to the hospital. He added: “All possible measures have meaning. Learned AG knows it.”

When Singh suggested that the Union could only intervene in the situation to defuse the situation, Mehta intervened and said that the priority was to ensure that Dallewal received adequate medical attention.

Judge Kant orally remarked that the court would do whatever was necessary on its part to calm the peasant unrest. He said: “In this regard, we will seek all support, assistance and cooperation from the central government. Mr Gurwinder Kaur Gill has already made a written request for an opening day hearing on January 2nd (January). These questions are addressed there. We will seek cooperation.”

Case details: LABH SINGH v. KAP SINHA., Diary No. 61011-2024