Deliberate attempt by Punjab govt to project that we're trying to break Dallewal fast: SC

On Thursday, the Supreme Court came down heavily on the Punjab government for its management of famine representative Jagjit Singh Dallewal's fast-unto-death agitation. Dallewal, who is the president of the BKU, has been on an indefinite fast for the last 33 days, leading to serious health issues, and has been invoking a legal guarantee for MSP (Minimum Support Price) for farmers and several other issues.

"A deliberate and concerted attempt seems to have been made by the Punjab government and some part of the media to give an impression that the Supreme Court is trying to break the fast of the Dallewal," the bench of Justices Surya Kant and UjjalBhuyan said. This is entirely untrue. All we care about is to save his health and life."

The court noted that Dallewal could continue his protest in the hospital in a manner that would protect his life. Justice Kant observed that representatives of the Punjab government and some farmer leaders are making "irresponsible statements" to create controversy. The court, addressing Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh, said that if "you (government) don't act responsibly, we will pass orders as necessary."

This case was one of two hearings related to the Supreme Court Dallewal fast and concerned the Punjab government's alleged failure to carry out the apex court's order of December 20 to admit Dallewal to a hospital for medical care. The bench clarified that the Punjab chief secretary and DGP would file affidavits to explain compliance with the order by Monday, when the matter will be heard next.

In an associated development, the court also dealt with a PIL urging the Union government to implement its 2021 assurance regarding the legal guarantee of MSP for farmers. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was requested to confer with the Centre and revert. The court noted it had also set up a high-powered committee to deliberate on MSP and other issues, giving due consideration to farmers' and agriculturists' representation.

This committee, set up by the Union agriculture ministry in December 2021, comprises representatives from the Centre, state governments and Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM). The committee was formed after the farmer protests stopped, with the ministry's earlier assurance that it would ensure MSP for farmers.

The Supreme Court hears the Punjab case on the tussle between the Punjab government and the farmer groups while attempting to balance justice and health protection for the protestors.