Farmers’ Protest: Supreme Court Raises Concern Over Dallewal’s Health and Punjab Government's Role

      Farmers’ Protest: Supreme Court Raises Concern Over

         Dallewal’s Health and Punjab Government's Role

The Supreme Court of India has raised significant concerns over the deteriorating health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a fast-unto-death since November 26 at the Khanouri border. The court has taken a strong stance against both the resistance from certain farmer groups and the Punjab government's apparent inaction in addressing the situation.

Who is Jagjit Singh Dallewal?

Jagjit Singh Dallewal is the convener of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political). He began his fast-unto-death to press the Central government to accept the farmers' demands, which include a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.

Supreme Court’s Intervention

The top court has repeatedly directed the Punjab government to ensure medical aid is provided to Dallewal, emphasizing that a person’s life must take precedence over protests.

Key Observations by the Bench:

1. Peer Pressure: The court suggested that Dallewal may be under pressure from other farmer leaders.
2. Abetment to Suicide: Justice Dhulia highlighted that preventing Dallewal from seeking medical aid could amount to abetment to suicide.
3. Criticism of Farmer Leaders: The bench questioned the intentions of those preventing Dallewal’s hospitalization, labeling their actions as "questionable."
4. State’s Helplessness: The Punjab government admitted its inability to take lawful action due to resistance from the protesters.

Punjab Government Under Fire

The Supreme Court has been critical of the Punjab government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), for its failure to comply with the court's December 20 order.

Court’s Stance on Punjab’s Role:

• Justice Kant reminded the government of its constitutional duty to uphold the law.
• The court expressed dissatisfaction with the state's argument of being “helpless” in the face of farmer resistance.

The Advocate General of Punjab argued that attempts to evacuate Dallewal could lead to “collateral damage,” but the court directed the state to act within the law while ensuring Dallewal’s safety.

Centre’s Role and Court’s Directive

The court also pulled up the Central government, asking what steps it was taking to defuse the situation. Justice Dhulia remarked that even a small intervention or assurance from the Union government could help resolve the crisis.

The bench has asked the Central government to provide requisite support to the Punjab government to ensure compliance with its directions.

The Chronology of Farmers’ Protests

Winter Agitations and the MSP Debate

Farmers, primarily from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, have been at the forefront of agitations demanding a legal guarantee for MSP.

1. Protests in Delhi: During winter, large groups of farmers gathered at Delhi’s borders to press their demands.
2. Khanouri Border Protest: The ongoing protest led by Dallewal highlights the unresolved nature of these demands.

AAP Government's Blame Game

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government has drawn criticism for:

1. Shifting Responsibility: Blaming the Central government for inaction while failing to take decisive steps at the state level.
2. Political Posturing: Critics argue that AAP is playing politics instead of addressing the farmers’ grievances and complying with court orders.

Supreme Court’s Next Steps

The apex court has granted the Punjab government additional time to comply with its directives. The case will be heard again on December 31, with the court expecting compliance reports and a resolution to the standoff.

The Bigger Picture: Farmers’ Demands and the Way Forward

The farmers’ protest underscores the urgency of addressing issues like MSP guarantees and better support for agricultural workers. However, the current situation also highlights the need for:

• A balanced approach where democratic protests don’t endanger lives.
• Greater coordination between state and central governments to resolve long-standing demands.

As the Supreme Court continues to monitor the situation, all eyes are on the governments and the farmer leadership to prioritize humanity over politics.

What’s Your Take?

Do you think a legal guarantee for MSP is the solution? How should governments handle such sensitive protests? Let us know your thoughts!