In a significant development, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal ended his indefinite hunger strike on Friday, following productive discussions with the Punjab government, as reported to the Supreme Court. The resolution came amidst ongoing efforts by the state to address the concerns raised by farmers protesting at key border points.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh was informed by Punjab’s Advocate General Gurminder Singh that the protesting farmers at Khanauri and Shambhu borders have been dispersed, and all previously blocked roads and highways are now open. The Advocate General highlighted the government’s commitment to resolving the farmers’ grievances which had led to prolonged disruptions.
The Supreme Court bench praised Dallewal’s leadership and dedication, recognizing him as a “genuine farmer leader” with no political motives. “We know some people did not want the settlement of grievances of farmers. We are not sitting in an ivory tower. We know everything,” the justices remarked, emphasizing their awareness of the underlying issues and the complexities involved in the negotiations.
The top court has requested both the Punjab and Haryana governments to submit a status report detailing the current situation on the ground. Additionally, a high-powered committee led by a former high court judge, which was set up to delve into the farmers’ grievances, has been asked to provide a supplementary status report.
In a further gesture of goodwill, the Supreme Court also dropped contempt proceedings against Punjab’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police. These proceedings had been initiated due to non-compliance with earlier orders from the court regarding medical aid for Dallewal during his hunger strike.
This case traces back to significant tensions last year when farmer leaders, including Sarwan Singh Pandher and Dallewal, were allegedly detained in Mohali after a meeting with a central delegation. This incident occurred as Punjab Police cleared protest sites at Shambhu and Khanauri, which had been occupied by farmers for over a year.
