Farmers up Vigil at Khanauri protest site

CM will return from abroad on Saturday and Dallewal's health and other issues will then be taken up with him. HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA, Punjab finance minister

- Utkarsh Anand

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday reprimanded the Punjab government for failing to shift farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a fast-unto-death for over a month, to a hospital despite repeated medical advice.

A bench of justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia, convening a special sitting during the court's Christmas and New Year vacation, demanded immediate action and questioned the state's seriousness in ensuring the leader's survival.

"This is a contempt petition against the Punjab chief secretary and DGP for not complying with our December 20 order," noted the bench, highlighting a key directive for Dallewal's hospitalization, and questioning Punjab advocate general Gurminder Singh whether the state was really serious about Dallewal's well-being.

"Please, take it seriously. Someone's life is at stake...the impression we get is that you have not been taking it seriously," said the bench, expressing dissatisfaction with the state's delay in providing Dallewal with adequate medical care.

AG Gurminder Singh acknowledged that a group of eight cabinet ministers had met Dallewal to persuade him to seek medical aid. However, he cited strong resistance from farmers as a challenge to shifting him to a hospital.

"If there are people creating a law-and-order situation, you as a state must know how to handle it. It's your duty," retorted the bench, directing the state to file a compliance report within 24 hours.

The court also ordered the virtual presence of the Punjab chief secretary and director general of police (DGP) during the proceedings on Saturday, as it admitted a contempt petition moved against the two top officers for not complying with the court's previous directive on December 20. On the day, the court had asked the state administration "to take necessary steps and ensure adequate medical aid, including hospitalization as per the doctors' advice."