SC Keeps Contempt Petition in Abeyance

The Supreme Court on Wednesday hoped for an early resolution of the issues raised by protesting farmers as it noted "positive developments" with regards to the improving health of Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been in a hunger strike since November, and the Centre's proposed talks with farmer leaders next month.

- Abraham Thomas

NEW DELHI:

"Positive developments have taken place," said a bench headed by Justice Surya Kant while hearing a contempt petition against Punjab's chief secretary and director general of police (DGP) for not taking adequate steps to provide medical aid to Dallewal. The 67-year-old's health began to deteriorate during his hunger strike as he avoided treatment till there was a resolution of the demands raised by farmers, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for their crops. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Punjab, said that Dallewal has now been shifted to a makeshift hospital set up 50 metres from the Khanauri protest site.