The Supreme Court has postponed its hearing to January 2 on the Punjab government's compliance with the order to move farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal to a hospital.
The hearing, initially scheduled for Tuesday, was to review Punjab's actions regarding Dallewal's treatment as his indefinite hunger strike reached its 35th day on Monday.
A vacation bench of Justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia adjourned the matter after Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh requested an additional three days to comply with the court's December 20 directive.
Singh informed the court that negotiators were engaging with the protesting farmers at the site and working to move Dallewal to a nearby makeshift hospital on Punjab's side of the Khanauri border.
The bench refrained from commenting on the negotiations, emphasising only the need to comply with its previous orders. It recorded the submissions and adjourned the hearing, as reported.
Efforts to convince Dallewal
On December 29, Punjab government officials tried to persuade the ailing Dallewal to accept medical treatment. However, the 70-year-old farmer leader refused, fearing he might be forcibly removed from the protest site.
In an earlier hearing, the Supreme Court had permitted Punjab to seek logistical support from the central government if necessary to convince Dallewal to go to a hospital. The court had set a December 31 deadline for Punjab to ensure compliance with its order.
While granting the extension, the court expressed dissatisfaction with Punjab’s efforts so far, noting that the government’s actions had been inadequate.
However, the bench acknowledged the assurance given by the state’s advocate general, chief secretary, and police chief to take appropriate steps.
Also Read: SC to take stock of Dallewal's health on Dec 31
Dallewal's call to action
On Monday, Dallewal released a brief video urging the central government to address the farmers' demands. He thanked Punjabis for their overwhelming support, including their participation in the successful Punjab bandh organized by two farmer groups.
Kaka Singh Kotra, a leader of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), highlighted Dallewal’s resolve, stating that he was prepared to sacrifice his life for the farmers’ cause.
Also Read: Sonam Wangchuk supports fasting farm leader Dallewal
Farmers' protest: Key demands
Farmer groups under the Samyukt Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha banners have been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders since February 13, following disruptions to their march to Delhi. Their demands include:
- Legal guarantees for Minimum Support Price (MSP).
- Debt relief for farmers.
- Pension schemes for farmers and workers.
- A halt to rising electricity tariffs.
- Justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri incident.
The next hearing will determine whether Punjab has made progress in fulfilling the court’s directive and resolving the ongoing impasse.
Also Read: Punjab govt team again meets Dallewal, urges medical aid
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