New Delhi, Jan 6 (UNI) The Supreme Court in Monday adjourned the hearing on the farmers’ protest matter after being informed by the Punjab government that protesting farmers had agreed to meet Justice (Retired) Nawab Singh, Chairperson of the High-Powered Committee (HPC) constituted to mediate with the protesters.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Punjab, told a bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice NK Singh that the meeting was scheduled for 3 PM today, expressing hope for a breakthrough. “Somehow, we have been able to persuade the protesting people to meet Justice Nawab Singh. We are hopeful for a resolution,” Sibal said.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), a prominent farmers’ organization leading the protests, had earlier refused to meet the HPC, which was formed by the Supreme Court in September 2024 to address the issues at the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana.
Sibal also requested the bench to adjourn the hearing of a contempt petition filed against Punjab officials for not shifting farmers’ leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike, to a hospital. The bench accepted the request and scheduled the matter for Friday.
Last week, the Court expressed displeasure with Punjab’s failure to comply with its direction to provide medical aid to Dallewal. It clarified that its order was not to end his hunger strike but to ensure his health was monitored under medical supervision.
Dallewal, who has been fasting since November 26 at the Khanauri border, demands a statutory guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. A cancer patient suffering from age-related ailments, his health has severely deteriorated. Reports suggest that even if he ends his now 41-day hunger strike, his recovery may be incomplete. Despite the Court’s order to shift him to a hospital, Dallewal has reportedly refused any medical intervention without progress on farmers’ demands.
During the hearing, the Court was also informed about the ongoing negotiations between the Punjab government and the protesting farmers. On December 31, negotiators were sent to the protest site to persuade farmers to allow Dallewal’s transfer to a hospital, but the farmers insisted on Central government intervention before accepting medical aid for their leader.
The Supreme Court is hearing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the Haryana government challenging the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s direction to unblock the Shambhu border, which has been closed since February 2024 due to the protests.
The HPC, constituted in September 2024, was tasked with resolving the farmers’ grievances, including their demand for a statutory MSP guarantee. On December 20, the Court directed Punjab authorities to either shift Dallewal to a makeshift hospital near the protest site or to a well-equipped hospital. After non-compliance with this order, a contempt petition was filed, and the matter has since been heard multiple times by the bench.
Punjab officials reported resistance from farmers to moving Dallewal, citing concerns over potential “physical jostling” and “collateral damage.” Medical support has been provided onsite at the protest.
The Union government and Punjab have expressed differing views on resolving the impasse. While Punjab believes the Union’s intervention could help, the Centre fears it may worsen the situation. On December 28, the Court directed the Centre to provide logistical support if requested by Punjab to defuse the situation.
As the meeting between the farmers and Justice Nawab Singh proceeds, the Supreme Court hopes for positive developments, with the next hearing scheduled for Friday.
