'Why govt unable to take effective action to ensure medical care for Dallewal?': SC reprimands Punjab Govt
PTC Web Desk: In a stern reprimand to the Punjab Government, the Supreme Court expressed strong displeasure over its handling of the hunger strike by farmer leader jagjit Singh Dallewal at the Khanauri border. The leader, on a hunger strike for 33 days, is demanding a guaranteed law for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.
The Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia raised serious concerns about the state’s inability to shift Dallewal to a hospital for medical treatment, citing potential resistance from farmer groups. The court remarked that while protests for demands are a democratic right, obstructing someone from receiving medical treatment was unprecedented and akin to abetment to suicide.
During the hearing, the Bench questioned the Punjab Advocate General (AG) and other senior officials about their efforts to address the situation. Justice Surya Kant asked, “Who allowed this situation to arise? Why is the government unable to take effective action to ensure medical care for Dallewal?”
The AG informed the court that two medical teams, including doctors from AIIMS, had been attending to Dallewal, but he had refused to be shifted to a hospital. “Dallewal believes being hospitalised would undermine the purpose of the protest,” the AG said.
The court dismissed this reasoning, stating that the affidavit presented by the Punjab Government appeared to support the protest rather than ensuring the leader’s well-being. Justice Dhulia added, “The state first creates a problem and then claims helplessness. This is unacceptable.”
The Bench also criticised those opposing Dallewal’s hospitalisation. “What kind of farmer leaders are they, who appear to want Dallewal to succumb to his condition?” asked Justice Surya Kant. The court noted visible pressure on Dallewal to continue his strike and directed the state to inform him that his well-being was paramount.
“Those who oppose his hospitalisation are not his well-wishers. He can continue his protest even while receiving medical care,” the Bench said.
The court also questioned the Centre’s involvement in resolving the impasse. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing Haryana, acknowledged that the situation was worsening daily and assured the court of the Centre’s logistical support if needed.
The court directed the Centre to assist the Punjab Government in safely transferring Dallewal to a hospital, ensuring both his health and public order. Justice Dhulia highlighted, “Time is running out for this individual. Immediate action is necessary.”
The Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction with the affidavits submitted by Punjab’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP). The Bench hinted at initiating contempt proceedings against the officials for failing to comply with earlier orders to address the situation effectively.
The matter has been adjourned to December 31 for further hearing, with the court emphasising its priority to save the farmer leader’s life.
In its concluding remarks, the court reaffirmed its support for the people of Punjab and reiterated that its primary concern was to save Dallewal’s life. The Bench urged all parties to prioritise humanity and ensure a peaceful resolution to the issue.
- PTC NEWS
