New Delhi, 02 January 2025 – The Supreme Court on Thursday criticized Punjab authorities for fueling misleading media reports about efforts to end Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s hunger strike. The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, clarified that the court had never ordered breaking Dallewal’s protest but was solely focused on ensuring his health and facilitating immediate medical care.
Justice Surya Kant expressed disappointment, accusing certain officials and farmer leaders of irresponsibly exacerbating the situation through their statements. “It seems some government officials and self-proclaimed farmer leaders are complicating things with their claims,” he noted. “The authenticity of some of these leaders’ intentions concerning Dallewal must be questioned.”
Punjab’s Advocate General Gurminder Singh refuted the claims, explaining that efforts were underway to persuade Dallewal to accept medical aid while maintaining his fast.
The bench further pointed out that both Punjab’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP), participating virtually, were expected to ensure the court’s message reached the appropriate levels. The court directed them to submit affidavits confirming that its December 20 order, which instructed the state to provide Dallewal with nearby medical facilities, had been followed.
The case is scheduled for further hearing on January 6. The court also issued a notice to the Centre regarding a new petition filed on Dallewal’s behalf, seeking the fulfillment of commitments made to farmers in 2021, including a legal guarantee of minimum support prices (MSP) after the repeal of the farm laws.
