Supreme CourtDirects Punjab Govt to Ensure Farmer Leader Jagjit Dallewal’s Health Amid Hunger Strike
Last Updated: December 20, 2024, 16:31 IST
Jagjit Singh Dallewal had been protesting for farmers’ rights for weeks now and his health has deteriorated sharply after his hunger strike. (PTI/File)
In a concerning turn of events, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, 70, reportedly lost consciousness days after embarking on an indefinite hunger strike to pressure the Centre to accept the demands of protesting farmers. The Supreme Court intervened, directing the Punjab government to take immediate steps to ensure Dallewal’s well-being as his health rapidly deteriorated.
SC Directs Hospitalization, Punjab Govt Held Responsible
On Friday, an SC bench led by Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan ordered Dallewal to be shifted to a makeshift hospital for round-the-clock medical monitoring. Punjab’s Advocate General Gurminder Singh was directed to provide an undertaking confirming the transfer of the 70-year-old farmer leader. The court emphasized the Punjab government’s responsibility for Dallewal’s health and urged both Punjab and Haryana to work together to ensure his well-being.
The court’s directive came after doctors revealed that Dallewal, whose hunger strike entered its 24th day, had lost consciousness and fainted for a duration of 8-10 minutes. Doctors described his condition as critical, warning of the risk of cardiac arrest and multiple organ failure.
Severe Deterioration, Urgent Medical Aid Needed
Dallewal, a cancer patient, has been protesting at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana since November 26, demanding the Centre accept the demands of striking farmers. His medical reports, including blood samples and ECG tests, indicated a concerning downward trend in his health.
On Thursday, the apex court had reprimanded the Punjab government for its inadequate response to Dallewal’s deteriorating health, urging them to provide immediate medical aid. Doctors confirmed that Dallewal had not consumed anything for the past 24 days, putting him at high risk. “Because of that, he is critical, and he is at the risk of cardiac arrest and multi-organ failure,” said Dr. Abhiraj, one of the doctors monitoring his condition.
Political Leaders Express Concerns
Amidst the worsening situation, several political leaders, including Haryana Congress MPs Deepender Hooda, Jaiprakash, Satpal Brahmachari, Varun Chaudhary, MLAs Ashok Arora, Ramkaran Kala, Naresh Selwal Induraj Narwala, and Jassi Petwar, visited Dallewal to inquire about his health.
Deepender Hooda called for the immediate acceptance of farmers’ demand for MSP guarantee and an end to Dallewal’s hunger strike. He urged the government to reconsider its stance and implement the agreement reached with farmer organizations in December 2021.
Ongoing Farmer Protests
Farmers protesting under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been camped at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13, demanding government attention to their concerns.
*(with PTI inputs) *
‘Punjab Govt Would Be Responsible’: Supreme Court’s Direction On Farmer Leader Jagjit Dallewal’s Health
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