SC urges farmers to suspend protests, ensures medical care for leader on 18th day of hunger strike

The Supreme Court of India, on Friday, directed the court-appointed high-powered panel to engage with farmers protesting along the Punjab-Haryana border. The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, emphasized the importance of maintaining public order and urged the panel to persuade farmers to either temporarily suspend their protests or relocate them from the highways. The court stressed that protests are a constitutional right but must be peaceful, in line with Gandhian principles, and should not disrupt public life.

Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike since November 26, was highlighted by the court as a significant concern. Dallewal’s fast entered its 18th day on Friday, and his health was deteriorating. The court directed the Punjab government and the Centre to ensure 24/7 medical assistance for Dallewal, describing his life as “precious.” The bench emphasized that no force should be used to end his hunger strike but that authorities should engage in dialogue to protect his well-being.

The court also addressed the economic impact of the protests, which have led to blockades on major highways, including the Khanauri-Shambhu stretch, severely affecting the state's economy. Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh informed the court that the protests were causing significant financial disruptions. However, the bench refrained from issuing direct orders regarding the protests, emphasizing that resolving the underlying grievances of the farmers should be the primary focus.

The court-appointed committee, chaired by retired Justice Nawab Singh, has been tasked with mediating between the protesting farmers and the government. Justice Singh assured the court that the committee would immediately address the situation and submit a report on its progress. The committee is responsible for persuading the farmers to either temporarily suspend their protests or shift them from the highways pending the government’s response to their demands.

The protests, which began in February, have been led by farmers seeking the legalisation of MSP (Minimum Support Price) and other agricultural reforms. The protests have escalated over the months, with farmers organized under various groups, including Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. The blockades have resulted in several violent clashes, including the death of a protester in February during a confrontation with security forces in Khanauri. The Supreme Court-appointed committee, in its report submitted in November, outlined the financial distress of farmers, including rising debt, climate challenges, and unsustainable agricultural practices. The report also recommended evaluating the legal guarantee of MSP as a critical policy solution to address the concerns of the farming community.