New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday (December 20) directed the Punjab government to take a call on shifting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is sitting on a fast-unto-death protest at the Khanauri border for over 24 days, to a nearby makeshift or temporary hospital at the Khanduri border to monitor his health condition round-the-clock.
A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, while saying that it is the constitutional duty of the State of Punjab to ensure that no harm is caused to the life of the farmer leader, also directed the Punjab chief secretary and the chairperson of the medical board constituted to monitor Dallewal’s heath condition to file a fresh medical report of Dallewal’s health stability.
Dallewal’s health condition appears to be normal as of now, Punjab told apex court
The Punjab advocate general earlier during the day told the court that it had convinced Dallewal to undergo health examination and it has conducted several medical tests, including blood tests and ECG, on the 70-year-old farmer leader and his health condition appears to be normal as of now.
The Punjab advocate general later during the day filed an affidavit before the court and said that the Punjab government will shift him to a temporary hospital with Dallewal’s consent.
The apex court had on Thursday pulled up the Punjab government for not conducting medical tests on Dallewal and asked the Punjab government to persuade the farmer leader to undergo medical examination.
Apex court on Thursday asked Punjab to persuade Dallewal to take medical treatment
The bench, while referring to civil rights activist Irom Sharmila continuing her protest for over a decade under medical supervision, had asked the Punjab government to persuade Dallewal to take medical treatment for a week at least saying others could continue with the protest.
The apex court had earlier expressed its concerns on Dallewal’s deteriorating health and had directed the Punjab government to ensure that medical aid is provided to him forthwith as per the advice of the doctor.
Doors of court always open to any suggestion or demand by farmers, apex court earlier said
The top court, while hearing the matter on Wednesday, had also said that the doors of the court are always open to any suggestion or demand by farmers directly or through their authorized representative.
The apex court earlier, while expressing its concerns on the health condition Dallewal, had directed the Punjab government to provide adequate, immediate medical aid to him without forcing him to break fast.
