Supreme Court Begins Hearing on MSP Law Protest: Jagjit Dallewal’s Health Under Scrutiny
The Supreme Court has initiated hearings regarding the prolonged hunger strike by farmer leader Jagjit Dallewal, who has been protesting for the past 33 days demanding a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. The case highlights the delicate balance between supporting public protests and ensuring the health and safety of protestors.
Punjab Submits Compliance Reports
During the hearing, Punjab’s Advocate General, Gurvinder Singh, informed the court that the state has submitted two compliance reports. He explained that two medical teams, including doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), have been assigned to monitor Dallewal’s health. According to the Advocate General, Dallewal underwent medical examinations on December 19 and December 24.
Justice Suryakant Questions Efforts
Justice Suryakant questioned the state on its efforts to transfer Dallewal to a hospital for further care. He asked, “Read the part of the affidavit where you detail your attempts to move him to a hospital.”
Responding to the query, Punjab’s Advocate General read from the affidavit, stating that Dallewal had refused hospitalization. The farmer leader believes that seeking medical treatment would undermine the purpose of the farmers’ protest.
Supreme Court Expresses Concern
The court expressed concern over the implications of Dallewal’s refusal to seek medical help. Justice Suryakant remarked, “From what you are reading, it seems as though you are supporting his demands. We have assured all parties that we will address these issues, so why is it a problem for him to be admitted to a hospital?”
The Larger Issue
Jagjit Dallewal’s hunger strike has brought renewed attention to the demand for a legal guarantee of MSP for crops, a contentious issue that has sparked widespread protests in recent years. While the government has assured farmers that their concerns will be addressed, leaders like Dallewal continue to press for legal safeguards.
Balancing Protest and Health
The case underscores the challenges faced by authorities in handling protests that involve health risks. The Supreme Court’s involvement highlights the urgency of resolving the matter, both to address the demands of protesting farmers and to safeguard the well-being of those at the forefront of the movement.
As the hearing continues, the court is expected to address both the immediate health concerns of Jagjit Dallewal and the broader issue of MSP legislation, which remains a critical demand for India’s farming community.
