New Delhi, Dec 27: The Supreme Court on Friday sought a compliance report from the Punjab government regarding hospitalisation of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a fast unto death.

A Vacation Bench headed by Justice Surya Kant was hearing a plea seeking contempt action against the Chief Secretary of Punjab for not complying with the apex court’s orders.

“Medical aid has to be given (to Dallewal) and the impression is that you are not following it,” remarked the Bench, also comprising Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia.

Expressing concern over Dallewal’s life and safety, it said, “We are very anxious to see how you comply with our direction to get him hospitalised. Not saying much but this matter will be heard on Saturday.”

In the meantime, it ordered the Punjab government to file an affidavit detailing compliance with earlier orders passed by the apex court.

Last week, the Justice Kant-led Bench had ordered the Punjab government to ensure the stable health condition of Dallewal and directed his hospitalisation.

“It is entirely the responsibility of the State of Punjab to ensure the stable health condition of Mr. Jagjit Singh Dallewal, for which if he requires hospitalisation, the authorities must ensure to do so. The State Government, therefore, will take a call as to whether Mr. Dallewal can be shifted to the makeshift hospital (temporary hospital, which is said to have been set up at a distance of 700 metres from the site) or to any other well-equipped Hospital,” the SC had ordered.

The 70-year-old cancer patient has been fasting at Khanauri, the border point between Punjab and Haryana, since November 26 in support of their long-pending demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, loan waiver and reforms to improve conditions in the agricultural sector.

Posting the matter for hearing on January 2, 2025, the SC had asked the Chief Secretary as well as the Chairperson of the Medical Board for a fresh medical report about the stability of Dallewal’s health, along with the necessary steps taken meanwhile to prevent any irreversible damage to his health.

“If any necessity arises to approach this court during the interregnum, liberty is granted to all concerned,” the apex court said in its December 20 order.

In an earlier hearing, the Justice Kant-led Bench said that protesting farmers are free to put their grievances directly before the top court after it was told that the farmer leaders did not attend the meeting with the court-appointed panel.

Remarking that the court’s doors were always open, it said that farmers can put forth their demands directly before the apex court or through their authorised representative.

Before this, the Supreme Court had refused to entertain a fresh plea seeking directions to immediately clear the blockage of national as well as state highways in Punjab, which “alleged farmers and farmer unions” have blocked permanently for an indefinite period. “Why are you filing repeated petitions? We are already seized of the matter and have already taken some initiatives. There is no question of repeated petitions,” it told the PIL litigant.

“In pending PIL, we never say ‘no’ to any counsel. You assist us on the fixed date, we will see what orders could be passed on the opening of highways,” the apex court said.

Saying that no fresh petition should be entertained on the same subject matter, it proceeded to dismiss the fresh plea but granted liberty to the petitioner’s counsel to assist in the pending matter relating to the “larger public interest issue”.

In September, the Supreme Court had ordered the formation of a committee to amicably resolve the grievances of the farmers protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border. It had suggested the panel headed by Justice Nawab Singh, a former judge of Punjab and Haryana High Court, to hold negotiations with the protesting farmers for the removal of their tractors, trolleys, etc from the National Highway for the ease of the general public.

Further, the apex court had granted liberty to farmers to shift their peaceful protests to an alternative site. Apart from Justice Nawab Singh, the panel comprised former Haryana DGP B.S. Sandhu, agricultural analyst Devender Sharma, Prof Ranjit Singh Ghuman, agricultural economist Dr Sukhpal Singh, and Prof Baldev Raj Kamboj as a special invitee.

Guwahati, Dec 27: Assam Congress President Bhupen Borah on Friday said that as a Finance minister of the country, Manmohan Singh rewrote India’s economic destiny.

In an X post, Borah mentioned, “As Finance Minister, he rewrote India’s economic destiny and unleashed the era of growth and prosperity.”

He also wrote, “No amount of words can describe the pain and sorrow we feel because of the passing of former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh ji.”

According to the senior Congress leader, former Prime Minister’s legacy is unparallel in modern India.

“Dr. Manmohan Singh’s legacy is unmatched in the modern era. From his humble beginnings in pre-Partition Pakistan to the highest public office in India, Dr. Singh is not just a symbol of excellent hard work and merit but also of the possibilities of post-Independence democratic India,” Borah continued.

“Under Dr. Singh as Prime Minister, India’s economic development along with its revolutionary welfare measures took India to the next level in its growth trajectory and India was seen as the next big economic powerhouse of the 21st century. His contributions will be etched in golden letters in our history books,” he said.

Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, renowned economist and architect of India’s economic reforms, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. He was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here following a deterioration in his health.

Dr. Singh, who served as country’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, was known for his transformative role in steering India’s economy through a period of significant liberalisation. His tenure is often credited for initiating major economic reforms in 1991 when he was the finance minister, which helped modernise India’s economy and integrate it into the global market.

A man of humility and intellect, Dr. Singh was a respected figure both in India and globally.

Under his leadership, India saw consistent economic growth, reducing poverty and strengthening the country’s position on the world stage. His government was also known for implementing crucial legislations in areas such as education, food security, and information.

New Delhi, Dec 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other prominent leaders visited the residence of late former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh here on Friday morning to pay their respects and offer condolences to his family.

Dr Singh, who passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92, was mourned by leaders across the political spectrum. PM Modi expressed his deep sorrow and lauded Dr Singh’s immense contribution to the nation’s progress.

“Dr. Manmohan Singh’s vision and integrity as a leader will forever remain etched in India’s history,” PM Modi said in a statement.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid his last respects, calling Dr Singh a statesman and a distinguished economist who played a pivotal role in shaping India’s modern economic policies.

BJP President and Union Minister J.P. Nadda joined the homage, emphasising Dr Singh’s commitment to public service throughout his illustrious career.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, too, on Friday expressed deep condolences over the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Reflecting on Dr Singh’s legacy, the RSS acknowledged his immense contributions to the nation. Taking to social media platform X, the official RSS handle posted: “The entire nation is deeply saddened by the demise of former Prime Minister and senior leader Dr Sardar Manmohan Singh. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh expresses heartfelt condolences to his family and countless admirers. Dr. Singh, rising from a humble background, adorned the highest office of the country.

The Central government has announced a seven-day period of national mourning till January 1, 2025, to honour the legacy of Dr Singh. A notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs directed all states and Union Territories to lower the national flag to half-mast during this period and cancel all official entertainment programmes.

The last rites of the former Prime Minister will be conducted with full state honours, showcasing the nation’s gratitude and respect for his decades of service.

Dr Manmohan Singh served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 and is remembered for his pivotal role in India’s economic liberalisation in the early 1990s. His leadership combined intellectual depth with a calm demeanour, earning him respect both domestically and internationally.

The nation mourns the loss of one of its finest leaders, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on India’s journey as a global economic powerhouse.