New Delhi, 15 Jan 2025 (ANN): The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a crucial plea on Wednesday, 15 January, regarding the deteriorating health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. Dallewal has been on an indefinite hunger strike for the past 50 days, demanding the implementation of a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.

The hearing is expected to be significant as the apex court may issue directions to the Punjab government concerning Dallewal’s worsening health condition. This hearing is also anticipated to be pivotal in addressing the prolonged deadlock and could pave the way for a resolution to the farmers’ demands.

The Supreme Court’s cause list, published on its official website, indicates that a two-judge bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh will preside over the matter. The bench will address both Dallewal’s health concerns and his plea for a legal guarantee of MSP, a longstanding demand of the farming community. This issue gained prominence following the repeal of contentious farm laws in 2021, where the government had proposed a legal framework for MSP as part of its assurances to farmers.

Additionally, the court will examine a contempt petition filed against Punjab government authorities. The petition alleges non-compliance with a directive issued on 20 December last year, which required officials to ensure Dallewal’s hospitalization due to his precarious health condition.

In a previous hearing, the Supreme Court urged the central government to remain open to dialogue with farmers and consider their legitimate grievances, including the demand for a legal guarantee of MSP. A High-Powered Committee (HPC) led by Justice (Retired) Nawab Singh had also visited Dallewal to assess his condition and address his concerns.

Dallewal, who serves as the convener of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), has been fasting at the Khanouri border to draw attention to the plight of farmers and their demands. His indefinite hunger strike underscores the ongoing tension between the farming community and the central government over MSP and related issues.
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