The Supreme Court on Saturday (December 28) criticized the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, for failing to comply with its order to shift farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal to a hospital.

Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike at Khanauri near the Punjab-Haryana border, is protesting for farmers’ rights.

The court called the state’s inaction “abetment to commit suicide,” warning of potential contempt of court proceedings against the Punjab Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police if immediate action is not taken, The Indian Express reported.

A two-judge bench, comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Surya Kant, expressed dissatisfaction with Punjab’s efforts to comply with the December 20 order.

The apex court directed the Punjab government to persuade Dallewal to move to a hospital by December 31, reported The Times of India.

Advocate General (AG) Gurminder Singh argued that resistance from protesters had made it impossible to move Dallewal, but the court rejected this explanation. Justice Kant remarked that it was the state’s responsibility to deal with any resistance and ensure lawful action.

The court criticized the protesters’ refusal to allow Dallewal to be hospitalized, questioning their motives. Justice Kant expressed concern, asking whether the protesters were interested in saving Dallewal’s life or putting it at risk.

The bench stated that such resistance undermined the leadership of a valuable figure and directed the government to ensure that Dallewal receives medical care immediately.

The Punjab government informed the court that medical facilities had been provided onsite by two medical boards, including AIIMS officials.

However, Dallewal had refused medical intervention, stating it would weaken his cause. Despite repeated requests from a high-level delegation of MLAs and ministers, Dallewal remained firm in his decision.