Chandigarh, 14 January 2025: The Supreme Court is set to address a contempt petition against Punjab Chief Secretary and DGP on Wednesday amid growing concerns over the health of Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a farmer leader on a hunger strike since November 26, 2024. Dallewal’s fast, aimed at pressing for farmers’ demands, has drawn national attention.
The bench, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, will also review a petition challenging the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s order to remove police barricades, as well as a plea filed on Dallewal’s behalf.
The plea seeks directives to the Centre to implement a 2021 proposal, including legal guarantees for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on crops, presented after the repeal of farm laws.
During an earlier hearing on January 6, senior advocate Kapil Sibal informed the court that Dallewal had agreed to meet the Justice (Retd) Nawab Singh-led High-Powered Committee, formed to resolve the farmers’ concerns.
The court expressed cautious optimism, remarking, “Let us hope something positive emerges out of it.”
The bench had earlier questioned the Centre’s approach, suggesting it could demonstrate a willingness to address legitimate farmer grievances, including the MSP demand. The justices also urged Punjab authorities to prioritize Dallewal’s health.
On December 20, the court had recommended setting up a makeshift hospital near the protest site while allowing Dallewal to continue his peaceful strike.
Despite these interventions, Dallewal refused medical assistance. On January 2, the court criticized a “deliberate attempt” by state officials to misrepresent its position, clarifying that its intent was to ensure Dallewal’s health was safeguarded without pressuring him to end his fast.
Addressing Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh, Justice Surya Kant remarked, “Our direction was not to end his fast but to ensure he remains healthy. Persuasion, not coercion, is the way forward.”
He also called out a lack of conciliation efforts by the state, to which Singh affirmed Punjab’s commitment to dialogue.
The court also questioned the Centre’s silence, urging it to consider the genuine demands of protesting farmers. The next hearing is likely to offer clarity on the state’s and Centre’s approach to resolving the ongoing crisis.
