Concerns surrounding the health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal have escalated as he enters his second month of a hunger strike, prompting direct intervention from the Supreme Court of India. Dallewal, who began his indefinite fast on November 26, has declined medical treatment, leading to urgent calls for action from the Punjab government and mounting worries over his deteriorative state.
On Friday, the Supreme Court ordered the Punjab authorities to guarantee Dallewal receives the necessary medical assistance. During the proceedings, Justice Surya Kant emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "Somebody's life is at stake. You need to take it seriously. Medical aid has to be provided, and the impression is you are not following it." This stern warning came as the court addressed the Punjab government amid concerns over Dallewal's declining health.
The court is set to reconvene on December 28 to revisit the case and tasked the chief secretary and the director general of police (DGP) to submit compliance reports and be virtually present during the next session. Failure to adhere to previous directives triggered the discussion of potential contempt proceedings against Punjab’s chief secretary and DGP.
The Punjab Advocate General, Gurminder Singh, revealed during the hearing about efforts made by eight cabinet ministers and the DGP to persuade Dallewal to relocate to a hospital for treatment, highlighting the reluctance of the farmers on-site to comply. Despite the government officials’ attempts, tensions remain palpable. "We cannot take the risk if there is physical jostling," Singh explained.
Adding to the complexity of the situation was Solicitor General Tushar Mehta's remarks cautioning against potential complications from interference by the central government. He stressed, "Few people cannot keep him (Dallewal) hostage. One man's life is in danger. The state government can take measures." His remarks highlighted the urgency of prioritizing Dallewal's hospital admission over potential political fallout.
Sparking attention with his hunger strike, Dallewal's demands extend beyond personal health. He is encamped along with fellow farmers, advocating for legally guaranteed minimum support prices (MSP) for their crops, as well as other grievances such as debt waivers and pensions for farmers and laborers. The protests, which have received backing from various farmer organizations like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, have reverberated throughout the region.
Despite the dire circumstances, Dallewal remains resolute. Following discussions with Punjab ministers, he asserted his conditions, stating he would only accept medical intervention if the government is open to dialogue with protesting farmers. His letter addressed to Prime Minister Modi reiterated this standpoint, signaling his unwillingness to compromise his stance without substantive negotiations.
To address the health situation, the Punjab government has established a high-level medical board of senior doctors. This medical team, led by the Medical Superintendent of Rajindra Hospital, includes several specialists, ready to facilitate medical assistance at the protest site, equipped with advanced life support ambulances and 24/7 medical availability.
Yet, Dallewal has so far resisted treatment or shifting to any healthcare facilities, including the makeshift hospital set up only 700 meters from the protest area. This has raised questions about the potential ramifications of his decision, both for his health and the broader protest movement.
During interactions with the visiting ministers, Dallewal pointedly critiqued Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, questioning why he would protest for AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal but not stand alongside farmers pressing for their rights. "If the CM can fast for Kejriwal, why can’t he protest for farmers now?" he asked, amplifying the political dimensions of his sacrifice.
With the Supreme Court's intervention, the Punjab government faces pressure not only to safeguard Dallewal's health but also to address the overarching farmers' protests with greater urgency. This struggle reflects broader tensions surrounding agricultural policies and farmer rights within the state, poised precariously on the precipice of health and political controversy.
The impending court date offers a pivotal opportunity to reassess the state's adherence to legal obligations under the scrutiny of the highest court of law. The matter of Dallewal's health—central to the farmers' protests—continues to present challenges, intertwining legal, medical, and political worlds.
