New Delhi, Dec 18 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Wednesday said that the court’s doors are always open to any suggestion/demand by farmers directly or through their authorized representative in a matter related to farmers protest at Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana.
A Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan said that the health of farmers’ leader Dalleweal, who is on fast-unto-death, is most important and the state shall ensure that he is given proper medical attention immediately.
On the last date, the Court asked the High Powered Committee to persuade farmers to temporarily shift or suspend the protest.
Justice Kant asked the committee, “What happened after our order’?
Punjab Advocate General (AG) Gurminder Singh said “ After your Lordships’ order, a detailed discussion was held with Dallewal but he is refusing medical tests. His vitals are fine.
The AG told the court that as per doctors, indoor admission would be in his interest.
Justice Kant said, “Some sentiments he is carrying…there is peer pressure also…The state needs to do something, there can’t be leniency.
Justice Bhuyan told the Punjab AG, “ You have to tackle the situation.
Justice Kant said He (Dallewal) is a public personality and leader of the masses. He represents their interest.
Punjab AG said, “We told him the court’s sentiments. He said 700 lives of farmers are more important to him than his own. So he is refusing medical help.
Justice Kant said, “There can be a difference of opinion with state…but he needs to be healthy to agitate…as elected government and constitutional organ, you would not like to invite blame that something happened to him because…”
Justice Kant said “We constituted a committee. That’s a participatory process. It is doing things, you can assure farmers. Whatever genuine demands are there, we would impress upon stakeholders.
Punjab AG said The Committee invited them yesterday, but they are not wanting to engage there. We are trying to persuade them on a daily basis.
Justice Kant said “ We have opened our platform to help them to be heard. Their case can be brought here directly.’
Justice Kant said, “ Even farmers should be concerned about saving their lives. He’s their leader! You tell us something tomorrow. Do something swiftly, the court directed.
The bench passed its order, “ It is submitted that Mr Dallewal is on fast for more than 20 days. It is stated that discussions have been held with him…efforts are going on to ensure requisite, immediate medical aid to him…during an interaction, the farmers are reported to have declined to interact with the High Power Committee (HPC) constituted by this court.
The Court further said, “The Punjab AG suggests that farmers be permitted to submit their demands directly to the court.
We clarify that the court’s doors are always open to any suggestion/demand by farmers directly or through their authorized representative, the Bench said.
The bench further said, “Insofar as Mr Dallewal’s health, the state shall ensure that medical aid is provided forthwith as per doctor’s advice.
Justice Kant said, “Look at the serious repercussions. Entire state machinery will be blamed. Farmers should not come under peer pressure.
The matter pertains to the farmers staging protests at the Shambhu border between the States of Punjab and Haryana which was closed in February 2024 due to the protests.
The farmers are raising demands such as a statutory guarantee for the Minimum Support Price for crops.
