Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal who is on fast-unto-death over several demands of farmers, fainted on Thursday but was immediately treated by a team of Doctors, as per media reports. Dallewal's fast enters its 24th day.
Keeping in mind, the critical health of Dallewal, the Supreme Court on Thursday pulled up the Punjab government for not conducting medical tests on Dallewal, who is on an indefinite fast at Punjab-Haryana Khanauri border.
Irom Sharmila also continued with her protest under medical supervision, the apex court said on Thursday, while asking the Punjab government to convince 70-year-old farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on an indefinite fast, to undergo a health examination.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan said while no one was trying to uproot the farmers' protest, it only wanted to ensure Dallewal's safety, calling him a "mass leader".
"Take the case of civil rights activist Irom Sharmila, she continued her protest for years under medical supervision. Similarly, Dallewal can also continue his protest under medical supervision," said Justice Bhuyan.
The court had noted Punjab government doctors statement on Dallewal's health saying he was alright even without conducting basic medical tests.
"A over 70-year-old person on hunger strike for past 21 days and suffering from various ailments health is alright. How it can be? Have you conducted his blood tests, ECG test and required investigation?" asked the bench.
Justice Surya Kant went on, "Court will talk to him (Jagjit Singh Dallewal) once we satisfy ourselves that he is safe." The farmer leader had reportedly conveyed through Punjab officials that he personally wanted to address the court.
The top court asked Punjab advocate general Gurminder Singh to persuade Dallewal to take medical treatment for a week at least saying others could continue with the protest.
Singh sought a day’s time to convince Dallewal and convey the court's sentiments for ensuring his well-being.
The bench posted the matter on December 20.
Life is hanging by thread: Doctors
The doctors said, "His life is hanging by a thread."
Doctors attending him at the Khanauri border protest site also said Dallewal is at risk of cardiac arrest and multi-organ failure.
Speaking to reporters at the Khanauri border, doctors said Dallewal has not had anything for the last 24 days.
"Because of that, he is critical and he is at the risk of cardiac arrest and multi-organ failure. We are monitoring him every day," said doctor Abhiraj, who is part of a team of doctors from 5 Rivers Heart Association - an NGO.
"His blood pressure dropped today. We raised his legs and gave him a massage. But his situation is very sensitive. His life is hanging by a thread right now," said the doctor, adding, "Anything can happen at any time." Right now ketones are on the higher side, he said.
"Because of electrolyte imbalance, he can have a cardiac arrest at any time. His situation is critical," he further said.
Farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by the security forces.
The Haryana government set up the barricades on the Ambala-New Delhi National Highway in February after it was announced that the farmers would march to Delhi in support of their demands, including legal guarantee of MSP for their produce.
Follow us
