Chandigarh, March 24 —The Punjab Government on Monday informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal was not in police custody and was “free” to leave. The court directed the state to ensure his family could meet him at the hospital without obstruction.
Representing the state, the counsel told Justice Manisha Batra that Dallewal had voluntarily opted for hospitalisation in Patiala. “He can go. He himself preferred the hospital,” the counsel said, adding that the family could visit him, subject to security protocols. Citing Supreme Court orders, the counsel mentioned that the state was responsible for his medical care.
Dallewal, leader of the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) KMM, had been admitted to Park Hospital, Patiala, due to health concerns. However, his counsel argued that authorities were preventing his family from meeting him. “He is not even having water, and they are not permitting a single person to see him,” the counsel claimed.
After hearing both sides, Justice Batra directed the state to allow Dallewal’s family access. “The respondents are directed to make arrangements for the family to meet him in the hospital premises,” she ordered.
The hearing was in response to a habeas corpus petition filed by farmer leader Gurmukh Singh, who alleged that Dallewal was being held in illegal custody. Represented by advocates Gurmohan Preet Singh, Angrej Singh, and Kanwarjit Singh, the petitioner claimed that Dallewal’s detention was an attempt to suppress the farmers’ movement and intimidate peaceful protesters.
“The detention appears to be an attempt to suppress the farmers’ movement and instil fear among peaceful protesters, violating the fundamental rights to freedom of speech and expression, assembly, and association under Article 19 of the Constitution,” the petition stated.
Read more: HC Seeks Punjab Govt Report on Dallewal’s Detention
