Farmer Leader Jagjit Dallewal Not Detained, Taken To Hospital To Ensure His Health Is Stabilized As Per SC Order: Punjab Police To High Court

Punjab Police submitted before the Punjab & Haryana High Court on Monday (March 24) that farmers' leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal–who was allegedly illegally detained during the ongoing farmers' protest–has not been detained but was taken to the hospital to ensure his health condition is stabilized as per the Supreme Court's direction.

"...Dalewal was earlier being nursed in a make-shift Hospital at the PWD Rest House at Jalandhar Cantt. from 19/20.03.2025 till the morning of 23.03.2025; was under the care of a specialized team of Doctors from PIMS, Jalandhar during the said initial period; is now being treated at the Park Hospital, Patiala; and, that the Respondents are continually taking all necessary steps to keep his health-condition stabilized - in compliance of the letter and spirit of the various Orders passed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court," the affidavit filed by Patiala SSP Nanak Singh submitted before Justice Manisha Batra stated.

It also stated that in view of the directions passed by the Supreme Court,  the Respondents have additionally issued instructions to the local medical administration to remain on stand-by and to keep a constant check on the health of  Dallewal, even though he is now being primarily treated by the team of Doctors at Park Hospital, Patiala. 

On the evening of March 21, the High Court issued a notice to the Punjab Government on a habeas corpus plea filed for farmers' leader 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.

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

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

During the hearing, the counsel appearing for the detenue said that Dallewal was not allowed to meet his family members. Consequently, the Court directed the State to facilitate the meeting.

The matter is listed for March 26, for further consideration.

Case Title: Gurmukh Singh v. State of Punjab & Ors.

Advocates Gurmohan Preet Singh, Angrej Singh and Kanwarjit Singh represented the petitioner.

Ad. AG Deepinder Singh Appeared for the Punjab Government.