New Delhi, Jan 2 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Thursday criticised the Punjab Government for creating an impression in the media that the Apex Court is pressurising farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal to end his 38-day-long fast-unto-death.
The Court reiterated its directive that Dallewal must not be forced to end his protest but emphasized the necessity of providing him with medical aid.
A Division bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan was hearing petitions related to farmers’ protests over unfulfilled promises by the Union Government.
Advocate General Gurminder Singh represented Punjab.
Justice Kant admonished the Punjab government for allegedly misleading the public through media narratives. “There appears to be a deliberate attempt in the entire media where your officers are trying to create an impression as if there is a persuasion to Mr. Dallewal to break his fast. This might make him reluctant and hesitant,” Justice Kant remarked.
The Court clarified its earlier directives, stating that they were intended to ensure medical care for Dallewal without compelling him to abandon his peaceful protest. “When he is hospitalized and his health is taken care of, he can continue his peaceful protest,” Justice Kant said, emphasizing that persuasion should focus on health and safety, not ending the strike.
Advocate General Singh assured the Court that efforts were being made to persuade Dallewal to accept medical assistance.
However, Justice Kant expressed dissatisfaction, saying, “Your attitude is not one of conciliation. That is the whole problem.”
The Court also cautioned against “irresponsible statements” from various parties, including some farm leaders, which could complicate the situation.
Justice Kant underlined the importance of a high-powered committee formed by the Court in September, stating that its role would become significant once Dallewal’s health was stabilized.
The Court is concurrently hearing the main Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the Haryana Government against the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s direction to unblock the Shambhu Border between Punjab and Haryana.
Additionally, there are two other petitions related to the case: a fresh petition and a contempt petition against Punjab authorities for not ensuring Dallewal’s hospitalization.
Justice Kant remarked, “Madam Gill, you can play a vital role. Please don’t think of confrontation. We have a committee of a former judge who has roots in Punjab. They are all learned fellows. Now that the committee is there, we cannot directly have a dialogue with farmers.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated, “We are confining to the health of one person. The Union Government is concerned about farmers. Instead of issuing notice on the fresh petition, they give me the petition.”
Advocate Gill pointed out that the government’s earlier proposal included a guarantee to resolve five pending demands, which led farmers to withdraw their protests. She added, “There is a committee after committee.”
Mehta countered, “Let’s not ridicule the court-appointed committee.”
Advocate General Gurminder Singh informed the Court, “Our medical team is on-site [for Dallewal].” He added, “We have tried to convince him to accept medical aid. However, he is firm that he will accept help only under certain conditions.”
Justice Kant further emphasized, “There is a deliberate attempt by your media to deteriorate the situation. Our direction was not that he break his fast.”
The Court directed the Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to file compliance affidavits.
The matter has been posted for hearing on Monday, January 6, when the Court will also address the main plea filed by the Haryana Government and the contempt petition against Punjab authorities.
Justice Kant clarified, “Our concern is that no harm is caused to him. He is a prominent leader and, for the time being, not aligned with any political faction.”
The Court emphasized the importance of conciliation and urged the state to take proactive steps to resolve the situation. “If officers are there, we hope our message has been conveyed to them,” Justice Kant added, noting the urgency of addressing the issue.
The hearing concluded with instructions to all parties to prioritize health, conciliation, and the peaceful resolution of the farmers’ ongoing demands.
