New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Saturday expressed dissatisfaction with the Punjab government’s efforts to comply with its order to hospitalise farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on hunger strike.
A contempt petition was filed against Punjab authorities for failing to act on the Court’s earlier directive.
While hearing the contempt petition, a bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia sought a compliance report from the Punjab authorities.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that Dallewal has refused medical intervention, saying it would undermine the movement’s cause.
The AG submitted that all efforts to persuade him remained unsuccessful, and highlighted practical difficulties like farmer volunteers keeping round-the-clock vigil.
The court criticised the state government’s inaction, questioning their inability to overcome the obstacles farmer volunteers and protesters posed at the site.
Punjab Advocate General (AG) Gurminder Singh further informed the Court that Dallewal had refused medical intervention, citing concerns that it would undermine the movement’s cause. Despite appeals from high-level delegations, including MLAs and ministers, all efforts to persuade him had failed.
The Court was shown visuals of the protest site, which resembled a fortress guarded by farmer volunteers.
Punjab AG highlighted the practical difficulties, noting that protest leaders had mobilized youth to gather at the site, making evacuation nearly impossible.
Justice Kant asked, Who has allowed for this fort kind of thing to be constructed there..all this manpower to reach is systematically and periodically?
The Court further said, “So long the gathering is part of the farmer’s movement it is understandable…that is peaceful agitation, but to prevent a person from shifting to the hospital is completely unheard of.
Justice Dhulia said, “This is a criminal offence, it is an abetment to suicide…you first create a problem and then you take a plea now there is a problem we can do nothing.
AG said, “ We are helpless, we are saddled with this problem.
Justice Kant asked the AG, “Do you want us to record your statement that you are helpless? The court does not expect at all that you should indulge in unwanted force, but your officers are the experts, they have to see what strategy should be involved.
The bench then spoke to the Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and Punjab DGP.
The bench said, “If there is resistance from your lawful action, you have to deal with it and if the people are resisting from taking a patient to hospital you have to do it…tell us how you can comply..we can direct the centre to help you.
The Court said, “What kind of leaders are these who are allowing Mr. Dallewal to die there at the spot..please try to read between the lines… Are they interested in Dallewal’s life or they want him to die there..their bonafide is also questionable..you have to evaluate this and assess..you assure Mr Dallewal that you will not make him break his fast, the court asserted.
Punjab CS said, There would be collateral damage.
Justice Kant said,” You have to convey this to everyone that those who are resisting Mr Dallewal’s shifting to a hospital are not his well-wishers…they are depriving the leadership of a very precious leader..once he is provided medical aid, they can lead the movement.
Justice Dhulia labelled the situation a “criminal offence” and an “abetment to suicide,” criticizing the state for allowing such conditions to escalate.
The bench also engaged with Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and Director General of Police Gourav Yadav,, emphasizing the urgent need for action. “If there is resistance to lawful action, you must deal with it,” the bench said, adding that failure to act raises questions about the sincerity of those claiming to support Mr. Dallewal.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Haryana government, expressed concerns about law and order. “Each passing day, the situation is deteriorating,” he warned, suggesting that the Centre could intervene if necessary.
However, the AG urged conciliation, proposing more time for dialogue with the protesters.
The Court stressed that compliance with its orders is non-negotiable and hinted at framing contempt charges against Punjab officers for defiance. “Time is running out. If anything happens, who will take responsibility?” the bench questioned.
The Supreme Court granted the Punjab government two more days to ensure compliance and directed the Centre to provide logistical support if requested.
The matter will be heard again on December 31.UNI
