High Court Scrutiny: Farmer Leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's Hospital Stay Under Review

Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a senior farmer leader, is in a Patiala hospital as per his own choice, says Punjab government, dismissing allegations of his detention. The High Court demands a meeting between Dallewal and his family amidst ongoing protests and detentions by the Punjab Police.

The Punjab government has asserted that senior farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal is in a Patiala hospital at his own request, countering allegations of illegal detention. This development was shared with the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday, which had previously issued a notice seeking a status report on Dallewal's situation.

The state has denied any restrictions on Dallewal's freedom, declaring that he is free to leave the private hospital but is choosing to remain due to health considerations. Despite these claims, a petition from a Hoshiarpur resident contends that Dallewal's detention violates his fundamental rights. The High Court has mandated that Dallewal be allowed to meet his family without hindrance, under hospital protocol.

Dallewal, a prominent figure in the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, has been on an indefinite fast since late November. His hospitalization follows a series of protests by farmers, demanding laws ensuring minimum support prices and the release of detained protestors. The High Court will revisit the case on March 26 for further updates.

(With inputs from agencies.)