File compliance report on Dallewal, SC tells Punjab
The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Punjab Government to file a compliance report by Saturday on its December 20 order desiring farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike since November 26, to be shifted to a hospital.
“We are very anxious to see how you comply with our direction to have him (Dallewal) hospitalised. We are not saying much… but this matter will be heard on Saturday,” a Bench led by Justice Surya Kant told Punjab Advocate General (AG) Gurminder Singh.
Acting on a contempt petition filed by Labh Singh of Mohali, the Bench, which specially assembled during the winter vacation, also directed the Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to remain present during the hearing on Saturday.
The Punjab AG told the Bench that an eight-member delegation had gone for shifting the union leader, but farmers were protesting. “If it is a law and order issue, you have to deal with it with an iron hand… Somebody’s life is at stake. You need to take it seriously. Medical aid has to be given and the impression is that you are not following it,” the Bench, which also included Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, told the AG.
“When we know that he is safe and sound, we will take him online during hearing and proceed. First of all, we are concerned about his life and safety,” said the Bench, which had earlier pulled up the Punjab Government for not conducting medical tests on Dallewal.
The top court issued a notice on the contempt petition against the Punjab Chief Secretary for allegedly failing to comply with the its December 20 order to have Dallewal shifted to a hospital.
Dallewal has been on a hunger strike at Khanauri since November 26 to press for the acceptance of farmers’ demands. The AG said he would bring the correct report before the top court. He submitted that a team of senior-most cabinet ministers had gone to hand over a letter to the PM, stating that the situation could be defused if there was a direction by the Centre.
