The Punjab and Haryana High Court reserved its order on a habeas corpus plea seeking the release of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, as arguments continued over whether he was in police custody.
The state maintained that Dallewal was not in custody and had voluntarily opted for hospitalisation, while the petitioner’s counsel disputed this claim and requested the appointment of a warrant officer to record Dallewal’s statement.
During the hearing before Justice Manisha Batra, the petitioner’s counsel alleged that farmer leaders who attempted to meet Dallewal were detained.
The state counsel strongly refuted this assertion, arguing that the state had been ensuring appropriate medical care for Dallewal in accordance with Supreme Court directives. Despite the contrasting claims, the court decided to reserve its order, scheduling the matter for a final decision on Thursday.
Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a prominent leader of the joint forum "Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political)," was admitted to a hospital in Patiala three days ago.
Also Read: Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal moved to hospital
The habeas corpus petition was filed by farmer leader Gurmukh Singh, who was represented by advocates Gurmohan Preet Singh, Angrej Singh, and Kanwarjit Singh. The petitioner contended that Dallewal was allegedly being held in illegal custody by the authorities.
In his plea, Gurmukh Singh argued that the alleged detention was an attempt to suppress the farmers’ movement and create fear among peaceful protesters.
He further asserted that this action violated fundamental rights, including the freedom of speech, expression, assembly, and association, as guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution.
Also Read: Dallewal not in custody, family can meet him: Punjab to HC
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