View from the Court House on the Health of Farmer Leader
The Supreme Court will hear the Punjab government’s actions on the medical treatment of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal tomorrow. This review comes at a time where there are increasing concerns over the state administration’s efforts in providing timely medical treatments to prominent persons in Punjab farmers’ movement.
Dallewal, who has been a vocal person for the farmers’ rights, has been sick for sometime now and has raised serious health concerns, which has created an uproar among the people and demands for the government to answer for it. Some of the critics have claimed that the Punjab government has been negligent in the management of the issue in as much as it concerns the health of the farmers while at the same time posing as the voice of the farmers.
The Supreme Court’s intervention shows that the matter is rather serious. This review may also have implications in the future regarding the government’s role in protecting the rights of activists and leaders in terms of their access to proper health care.
Also, the farmer unions have expressed somewhat hopeful outlook, waiting for the judicial intervention to make the government act. A top official of one of the union said, “This is not only for Dallewal, this is for the rights of every farmer. ”
As a result, the Punjab government has come under the scanner, and there has been a political criticism from the opposition parties as to the priorities of the ruling party. Today’s proceedings may have implications for Dallewal’s treatment but also the perception of governance in Punjab. The hearing which watched is is expected a to test be case keenly for the state’s ability to balance between political pressure and moral responsibility.
