He Is A Genuine Farmer Leader With No Political Agenda: Supreme Court Praises Jagjit Singh Dallewal After He Breaks His Fast
Farmer Leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal had been on an indefinite fast-unto-death since November 26, 2024.
Justice Surya Kant, Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, Supreme Court
The Supreme Court today praised farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, after it was told that he has ended his fast unto death as a part of the ongoing farmers' protest, acting on the request of the Apex Court made during the previous hearing.
A Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh was hearing matters pertaining to the ongoing farmers' protest blocking roads at the Punjab-Haryana border.
During the hearing, the Advocate General of Punjab Gurminder Singh informed the Court that the protestors had been cleared from the highway. In response, the Court observed that highways are the lifeline of the economy of the country. The AG further stated that lakhs of people were benefiting from the resolution of the situation.
The Advocate General also apprised the Court that due to the Court's intervention, farmer leader Jagjit Dallewal broke his fast by drinking water. Dallewal had been on a fast-unto-death for the past 38 days and had refused medical intervention.
The Court welcomed this development, with Justice Kant stating, "Very good… We pray for his good health… We have in open court, without mincing words, been saying that he is a genuine farmer leader… with no political agenda…. there are people who would not like any settlement to take place, because their agendas are different altogether."
The Advocate General for Punjab placed three points before the Court for consideration—the reopening of the highway, contempt proceedings related to Dallewal’s fasting, and added that the Central Government was in direct talks with the Committee appointed by the Apex Court and that its recommendations could be placed before the Court.
The Bench directed that a status report be filed within a week. The State of Haryana informed the Court that both the states of Punjab and Haryana had contributed a lump sum amount to the Committee. The Bench noted this submission and stated that while no formal order would be passed in this regard, it would appreciate it if this was placed on record in the status report.
A contempt petition filed against the Punjab authorities for allegedly defying the Court's July order to maintain the status quo at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders by using force to disperse the farmers' protest and detaining Jagjit Singh Dallewal was also listed before the Supreme Court today. The said petition was withdrawn by the petitioner, based on submissions of the Advocate General.
During the hearing on January 2, 2025, Justice Kant remarked, “Explain one thing. There appears to be a deliberate attempt in the entire media where your officers are trying to create an impression as if there is a persuasion to Mr. Dallewal to break his fast. This is the kind of impression that people are getting and that is why he might be reluctant and hesitant." This remark was directed at Punjab's Advocate General.
On December 31, 2024, the Court deferred the hearing after AG Gurminder Singh informed it that negotiations were underway to shift Mr. Dallewal to a makeshift hospital near the Khanauri border protest site.
Cause Title: State of Haryana And Anr. v. Uday Pratap Singh And Ors. [SLP(C) 6950-6953/2024]
