'Entire state machinery will bear the brunt': SC warns Punjab against Dallewal's worsening health
The Supreme Court however cautioned the state government that they will have to bear the consequences if something untowards happens to Dallewal who has been on a fast-unto-death for 23 days now.
PTC News Desk: The Punjab government has submitted its response in the Supreme Court and said after holding multiple elaborate meeting with protesting farmers and Farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, they has refused to engage with the panel constituted by the court.
The Supreme Court however cautioned the state government that they will have to bear the consequences if something untowards happens to Dallewal who has been on a fast-unto-death for 23 days now.
The apex court has directed Punjab government to provide immediate medical assistance including hospitalisation to Dallewal while maintaining efforts to resolve the farmers' protest at Khanauri-Shambhu border.
“The entire state machinery will be blamed if something untoward happens. Consider the grave repercussions. Do not feel any pressure and do what’s required. Extraordinary conditions require extraordinary steps,” the bench told Punjab’s advocate general (AG) Gurminder Singh.
While taking into consideration Dallewal's health, the top court said, "We clarify that court's doors are always open to any suggestion or demand by farmers directly or through their authorised representative."
Earlier on December 13, the court constituted a panel to mediate and engage in talks with farmers to address their grievances. However the farmers refused to engage with the panel and asserted that sort of talks will be directly held with only central government.
The bench emphasised on addressing the grievances of the farmers while keeping Dallewal's health in top priority. “Even the farmers should be concerned about saving his life. He is their leader! You must act swiftly and tell us tomorrow what steps have been taken,” the court directed.