Wed Jan 15 10:22:29 UTC 2025: ## Supreme Court Questions Punjab Government on Farmer Leader’s Health After 49-Day Fast
**New Delhi:** The Supreme Court today expressed strong displeasure with the Punjab government’s assertion that farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s health is improving after a 49-day hunger strike. The court questioned how his vital signs could be improving despite the prolonged fast, demanding immediate access to his latest medical parameters.
Dallewal, 70, is protesting for various demands including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. While the Punjab government, represented by Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, initially claimed Dallewal’s condition was improving due to readily available medical care near the protest site, the court sharply criticized this claim. Sibal later corrected himself, stating Dallewal’s parameters were “stable,” citing a medical board report.
The court’s skepticism stems from conflicting reports; previous affidavits indicated a deteriorating health condition. The judges questioned how the claimed improvement could occur under constant medical supervision, even suggesting potential peer pressure preventing Dallewal from disputing the reported health status.
The hearing stemmed from a contempt petition against Punjab officials for failing to hospitalize Dallewal, despite the state’s claims that farmers are resisting any such move, fearing potential violence. To resolve the situation, the court ordered the Punjab Chief Secretary to submit Dallewal’s medical reports to the Registrar for independent review by the AIIMS Director. Furthermore, the Supreme Court has directed the central government to respond within two weeks regarding a petition demanding a legal guarantee for MSP.
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