The Punjab government has informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal is not in police custody but has been admitted to Park Hospital in Patiala based on his own preference. The state clarified that Dallewal, a prominent figure in the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), chose hospitalisation considering his health condition and is free to leave at his discretion.
The clarification came in response to a habeas corpus petition filed in the high court, which alleged Dallewal’s unlawful detention. The petitioner, Gurmukh Singh from Hoshiarpur, sought court intervention to ensure the safety of Dallewal and other missing farmer leaders.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel raised concerns that Dallewal’s family members were being restricted from visiting him at the hospital. In response, the Punjab government assured the court that there were no objections to family visits and that the state was overseeing his medical care as per Supreme Court directives.
Following these submissions, Justice Manish Batra directed the state authorities to facilitate meetings between Dallewal and his family at the hospital, ensuring there were no obstructions from either the government or hospital administration. However, all visits must adhere to hospital protocols.
The high court has scheduled the next hearing for March 26, where further deliberations on the matter will take place.
By Correspondent Richa Tripathi
