The Supreme Court told the Punjab government to share all medical reports about farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike since November 26. Dallewal and other farmers have been protesting at the Delhi border since February 2024. They want better farming rules and legal promises for Minimum Support Price (MSP), which is the price the government pays for essential crops.
A group of judges asked the Punjab government to send Dallewal’s medical reports from December to January 14. These reports will be sent to the director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi for an independent review. The AIIMS director will give his opinion by January 22.
Lately, Punjab’s top official told the court that Dallewal’s health is getting better, with higher platelet and hemoglobin levels than before. However, the court was concerned because Dallewal had been fasting for 50 days, and many wondered how he could be improving. Judge Surya Kant questioned the official, wanting to understand how someone could feel better after such a long hunger strike.
An attorney for the Punjab government said “improving” was not the right word and assured the court that Dallewal’s condition is stable. A clinic is nearby to keep checking on him.
The court is trying to deal with Dallewal’s hospital situation and the long protest, which has blocked roads for almost a year. They also told the central government to respond to demands by Dallewal’s supporters within two weeks. Another court date is set for January 29.
The negotiations for a solution haven’t worked out yet, even though a committee was set up by the Supreme Court in September 2024 to help. The court had previously criticized Punjab officials for not getting Dallewal the medical help he needed.
On January 6, the attorney said some farmers had agreed to talk with Justice (retired) Nawab Singh, who leads the committee. However, many farmers still refuse to change their demands.
The Supreme Court has made it clear that while people have the right to protest, they must also consider public safety. They have shown concern for the long blockades affecting everyday life in Punjab and Haryana. At the same time, the court warned that reckless statements by some so-called farmer leaders are only making things worse.
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