Supreme Court To Interact Directly With Farm Leader Dallewal, Says It Is Constitutional Duty

The Supreme Court today said it may directly interact them with farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a fast-unto-death in protest for the last three weeks, reasoning that it is their responsibility and "part of their Constitutional duty".

A two-Judge Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan was hearing a batch of petitions relating to the farmers' protest that started earlier this year in February against certain unfulfilled promises by the Union Government, including a Minimum Support Price guarantee for all crops.

In the hearing today, Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh submitted, "I was told that Mr. Dallewal himself wanted an audience with your lordships online, if possible." Justice Kant replied, "We'll talk to him, there is no difficulty. He is most welcome. But first, we want him to be provided medical aid."

Later in the hearing, the Bench told Gurminder Singh to convey to Dallewal that the Court was willing to interact directly with him. "We will hear him. We'll consider whatever he says," Justice Kant said. Gurminder Singh said Dallewal is grateful that the Court has given him this "window". "It's not a question of gratefulness. It's our responsibility. It is part of our Constitutional duty." Justice Kant proclaimed.

The Bench reacted sharply when the Punjab AG said, "As per reports from the ground, in case of any physical confrontation, there are likely to be casualties on both sides." Justice Kant replied, "Farmers have never entered into any physical confrontation. These terminologies, expressions are concoctions by your officers."

On Dallewal's health situation, the Court was informed that the administration has set up a make-shift hospital of sorts near the place where Dallewal is holding protest. A team of doctors have been stationed for round-the-clock monitoring of his health and ensuring that he receives appropriate medical intervention "while respecting his refusal to be hospitalised," a medical report prepared by on-site doctors says.

On the make-shift hospital, the Bench asked the Punjab AG, "But will you be able to take him there?" "That we will see, your lordships," Gurminder Singh replied, without mentioning any specific plan in this regard.

After being told that Dallewal's "vitals are rather healthy", the Court insisted the real situation about his health can only be known after Dallewal is subjected to medical tests and asked the AG to ask his officers to convince him to undergo tests. "We don't him to force him to end his fast. But there is medical help that can be provided without forcing him."

Justice Bhuyan recalled that Iron Sharmila was on a hunger strike for "more than ten years," referring to her protest against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 that went on for 16 and was nasally force fed during that time. 

In yesterday's hearing, the Bench, raising the possibility of Dallewal's demise to his unrelenting fast, had cautioned, “The entire state machinery will be blamed if something untoward happens. Consider the grave repercussions. Do not feel any pressure and do what’s required. Extraordinary conditions require extraordinary steps.”

The Court was also informed yesterday that farmers were not inclined to interact with the Court-appointed 'high-powered' committee, to which it assured them that the Court's doors are always open.

Cause Title: State of Haryana And Anr. v. Uday Pratap Singh And Ors. [SLP(C) 6950-6953/2024]