HC notice to state on petition for Dallewal’s release

In a late evening hearing, the Punjab and Haryana High Court issued a notice of motion to the State of Punjab and the Director-General of Police on a habeas corpus petition seeking the release of farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal.

Among other things, petitioner-farmer leader Gurmukh Singh contended that Dallewal was in illegal custody of the respondents. The case will now come up for further hearing on Monday.

“The detention appears to be an attempt to suppress the farmers’ movement and instil fear among peaceful protesters, violating the fundamental rights to freedom of speech and expression, assembly, and association under Article 19 of the Constitution,” the petitioner contended.

In his petition placed before Justice Manisha Batra’s Bench, the petitioner contended that “300 to 400 other members of farmer organisations were also missing”.