New Delhi, Jan 29: On Wednesday, the Supreme Court acknowledged farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s need for medical assistance and his wish to take part in the upcoming meeting with central government representatives scheduled for February 14 in Chandigarh.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh postponed the hearing on a petition urging the Centre to fulfill its commitment from 2021, which included a legal assurance of minimum support price (MSP) for crops, made to protesting farmers following the repeal of the farm laws.
Justice Surya Kant informed petitioner Guninder Kaur Gill that in a media interview on January 28, Dallewal mentioned his medical treatment and expressed hope to attend the February 14 meeting, depending on his health.
“He has also expressed confidence in the committee appointed by the apex court and is optimistic about finding a solution in the upcoming discussions,” the justice stated. The court preferred to defer further discussions until after the meeting in Chandigarh to prevent any misunderstanding.
The bench rescheduled further hearings beyond February 14.
Gill asserted that the government had previously agreed to act on the proposal but has since retracted its commitment.
The bench counseled the petitioner to remain patient, indicating they would make a ruling as needed.
“Let them negotiate first,” the bench stated.
Earlier, on January 22, the Supreme Court had put a hold on a plea for contempt actions against Punjab government officials, acknowledging that Dallewal was receiving medical care while maintaining his hunger strike.
On January 2, while hearing Gill’s appeal, the Supreme Court had questioned the Centre about why it couldn’t publicly state its willingness to engage with the genuine grievances of the farmers concerning issues such as the legal guarantee of MSP for crops.
The court urged the Centre to respond to the plea informally without a formal notice.
“Why can’t your client declare that it will consider the farmers’ legitimate complaints and that it is open to dialogue? Why can’t the Central government make such a declaration?” the bench had asked.
The Supreme Court also advised Gill to avoid a confrontational stance, as a high-powered committee led by a retired judge had been set up to address these matters.
Dallewal has been on an indefinite fast at the Khanauri border shared by Punjab and Haryana since November 26, advocating for the Centre to address farmers’ demands.
Farmers associated with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been stationed at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13, 2024, after their planned march to Delhi was impeded by security forces. (PTI)
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