Supreme Court to Hear Contempt Plea Against Punjab Government Over Farmer Leader’s Hospitalisation

 

Supreme Court of India

The Supreme Court will hear a contempt plea on January 2 against the Punjab government for failing to comply with its directive to hospitalise farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite fast for over a month.  

Case Background

The plea arises from the Punjab government’s inability to implement the Supreme Court’s December 20 order to move Dallewal to a hospital. Dallewal had earlier agreed to receive medical aid on the condition that the Centre initiate talks based on the farmers’ proposal.  

Despite these assurances, resistance from protesting farmers at the site hindered Dallewal’s transfer, prompting the court to take serious note of the delay.  

Supreme Court’s Criticism of Punjab Government

The Supreme Court has expressed dissatisfaction with the Punjab government’s handling of the situation, stating that more effort was needed to resolve the issue. During the hearing, the bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan remarked:  

- "We are only concerned with compliance of our orders."  

The court had earlier allowed an extension of three days for compliance but emphasized the urgency of Dallewal’s hospitalisation due to his deteriorating health.  

Farmers’ Protests at Border Points

The ongoing protests, led by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been concentrated at the Punjab-Haryana border since February 2023. Farmers have been demanding action on various grievances, with Dallewal’s fast highlighting their struggle.  

Government’s Response

Punjab’s Advocate General Gurminder Singh informed the court that discussions with the Centre were being considered to address the farmers’ demands. Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured compliance with the Supreme Court’s decisions and emphasized ongoing dialogues with farmer groups to resolve the impasse.  

Hearing Scheduled for January 2

The top court will now hear the case on January 2 to assess the Punjab government’s compliance and address the broader issues surrounding the farmers’ protest. The decision is expected to have significant implications for the protest movement and government negotiations.  

Stay updated for further developments in this critical case.