New Delhi/Chandigarh, 2 January 2025 – The Supreme Court on Thursday reprimanded Punjab officials for misleading media narratives suggesting attempts to end Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s fast. The bench, consisting of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, clarified that the court’s sole concern was Dallewal’s health and not breaking his protest, underlining the need for urgent medical assistance.
Justice Surya Kant expressed frustration with statements by some officials and alleged farmer leaders, accusing them of irresponsibly escalating the situation. “It appears that certain Punjab government officials and farmer leaders are making statements to complicate matters further,” he remarked. “We need to verify the intentions of some of these leaders toward Dallewal.”
Responding, Punjab’s Advocate General Gurminder Singh denied any attempt to stir conflict, stating that efforts were being made to convince Dallewal to seek medical attention without ending his fast.
The bench pointed out that the Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP), both appearing virtually, must ensure the court’s instructions are properly implemented. The court asked both officials to submit affidavits outlining their compliance with its December 20 order, which directed the state government to provide Dallewal with nearby medical facilities.
The matter will be revisited on January 6 for further hearings. Additionally, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Union government on a new petition filed by Dallewal’s advocates, which demands fulfillment of promises made to farmers in 2021, including legal guarantees for minimum support prices (MSP) for crops after the repeal of the farm laws.
