Supreme Court frowns upon farmers objecting to hospitalisation of Jagjit Singh Dallewal

The Supreme Court on Friday expressed strong reservations about protesting farmers objecting to and obstructing attempts by Punjab government to provide medical aid to farmers' leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal who is on a fast unto death as part of the protests against the Central government for minimum support price for crops..The Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia said it has "serious doubts" about the protestors creating such obstructions."We have serious doubts on the farmers who are creating obstacles to provide him aid," the Bench said.It called upon the State to see to it that Dallewal is provided medical care. "Let the State take all measures to ensure that he is given the aid," said Justice Kant.The Bench was hearing a contempt of court petition filed against the Chief Secretary of State of Punjab for not complying with the December 20 order of the top court wherein the State was asked to convince fasting farmers' leader to go to hospital. .During a special hearing held today in the midst of the top court's winter break, the Bench said that it has an "impression" that State of Punjab was not giving medical aid to Dallewal. "Somebody's life at stake. You need to take it seriously. Medical aid has to be given and the impression is that you are not following it," said Justice Dhulia..Justice Kant stated that the Court just wants to know that Dallewal is "safe and sound." "We will take him online during hearing and then we will proceed. First of all we are first concerned about his life and safety," said Justice Kant. .Even though Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh stated that an eight-member delegation of senior cabinet ministers met Dallewal, the top court remained unconvinced and sought a compliance affidavit from the Chief Secretary and Director General of police by tomorrow..Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that the State government ought to take all measures to ensure that Dallewal is hospitalised.However, the Punjab AG stated that there cannot be any "physical jostling of Dallewal" when making attempts to provide medical aid.Dallewal has been on an indefinite fast at the Khanauri border since November 26 to press the Centre to accept the agitating farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops..Earlier Supreme Court had asked the Punjab government to shift Dallewal to a nearby makeshift hospital at the Khanauri border where his health can be monitored round-the-clock. .Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.