Farmer Leader Jagjit Dallewal Not In Illegal Custody But In Hospital, State To Ensure Family-Friends Are Allowed To Meet: Punjab & Haryana HC

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday (March 27) noted that farmers' leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal was not in illegal detention but was taken to hospital by Punjab Police as per Supreme Court's direction and thus disposed of a habeas corpus plea.

Justice Manisha Batra said, "The alleged detenue is said to be free to go home after seeking discharge from the hospital. In such circumstances, it cannot be said that the alleged detenue is in illegal confinement of the respondents. Therefore, keeping in view the aforesaid facts and circumstances, the present petition is disposed of as no further orders are called for in the matter."

However, the Court directed the State authorities "to ensure that there should be no hindrance if the family members, friends, relatives or any other person wish to see Mr. Jagjit Singh Dallewal in hospital, while following the rules and protocol of the hospital."

On the evening of March 21, the High Court issued  notice to the Punjab Government on a habeas corpus plea filed for Dallewal, who was allegedly illegally detained on March 19, along with other farmer leaders while returning to the protest site after participating in the seventh round of talks with a central delegation led by the Union Agriculture Minister. Dallewal is on indefinite hunger strike since November, 2024 demanding fulfillment of farmers' demand.

The detenue, along with other leaders were detained without prior notice or explanation, leading to clashes between farmers and the police, the plea said. 

"300 to 400 others members of farmer organization were also missing," the plea stated.

However, the Punjab Police submitted that Dallewal has not been detained but was taken to hospital to ensure his health condition is stabilized as per the Supreme Court's direction.

The Court noted that, "Admittedly, the alleged detenue was admitted in the hospital in the intervening night of 19/20.03.2025, due to his bad health condition as he was on hunger strike for an indefinite period demanding fulfillment of farmers' demand."

It also pointed that in compliance with the directions issued by the Court, the family members and some farmer leaders have met him in the hospital premises.

Consequently, the plea was disposed of.

Mr. Gurmohan Preet Singh, Advocate, Mr. Angrej Singh, Advocate and Mr. Kanwarjit Singh, Advocate for the petitioner.

Mr. Deepender Singh, Additional Advocate General, Punjab.

 Title: Gurumukh Singh v. State of Punjab

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (PH) 137

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