New Delhi, December 21, 2024: The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Punjab Government to ensure the health and safety of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite fast since November 26. While expressing concern over his deteriorating health, the Court left it to the state to decide whether to transfer him to a makeshift hospital near the protest site, approximately 700 meters away.
“It is the responsibility of the state of Punjab to maintain the stability of Dallewal’s health. If hospitalization is required, authorities must decide whether he can be moved to the makeshift hospital,” a bench led by Justice Surya Kant stated. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan was also part of the bench.
The Court ordered the Punjab Chief Secretary and the chairperson of the medical board monitoring Dallewal’s health to submit a fresh report by January 2, 2025. The report should include an update on his condition and any measures taken to prevent further harm. The bench also allowed parties to approach the court for further directions if necessary, stressing that its previous orders should remain in effect.
The bench’s order followed submissions from Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh, who stated that authorities were prepared to move Dallewal to the makeshift hospital, provided he agreed to the transfer. “We are ready to shift him as long as he does not resist, as we do not want to cause any additional discomfort given his fragile health,” Singh said. He underlined concerns about the potential harm to Dallewal, given his age and weakened state.
Meanwhile, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Haryana Government, urged the court to order Dallewal’s immediate transfer to a hospital, citing worsening health conditions. However, Singh countered that any coercive action could lead to complications at the ground level.
Dallewal, who has been fasting at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana to demand the acceptance of farmers’ demands, has drawn attention to his deteriorating health. The bench had previously criticized the Punjab Government for failing to conduct timely medical tests on Dallewal, leading to a two-session hearing on Friday.
During the first session, Singh informed the bench that medical tests had been carried out on Thursday, including an ECG and blood tests. “The ECG was normal, and most of the blood report parameters are within limits,” Singh said. He noted that while Dallewal’s uric acid levels were elevated and required medication, he had refused treatment. Additionally, the PSA values from a cancer test were slightly high, but not cause for immediate concern.
The Court instructed Punjab authorities to file an affidavit from the state Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP), ensuring that Dallewal would be moved to the makeshift hospital. The matter was further scheduled for a hearing later in the day when the bench passed its order.
