Govt to HC: Dallewal not in police custody, kin can meet him

The Punjab Government today told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal was “free” and not in police custody. The leader of the joint forum of the SKM (Non-Political) and the KMM had been admitted to a hospital in Patiala on his own wish. Taking note, Justice Manisha Batra directed the state to ensure his family could meet him at the hospital.

The state counsel submitted that Dallewal had opted for hospitalisation and was free to leave. “He can go. He himself preferred the hospital,” the state counsel said, adding that the family could meet him, subject to security protocols.

Dallewal’s counsel, however, contended that the authorities were not allowing his family to visit him. Justice Batra observed: “The state counsel submits that the petitioner is not in police custody, either illegal or valid. He has been admitted to Park Hospital, Patiala, on his own wish, considering his health. At this stage, counsel for the petitioner submits that the family is being denied access. In view of this, the respondents are directed to make arrangements for the family to meet him in the hospital premises.”

Contempt plea in SC

A contempt plea has been filed in the Supreme Court against the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and the DGP of Punjab for the alleged wilful disobedience of the court’s order dated July 24, 2024, to maintain the status quo at the Shambhu border

“Contrary to the express orders of this court on March 19, 2025, the Punjab Police carried out a large-scale action at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders,” petitioner Sehajpreet Singh submitted