The Punjab and Haryana High Court, on March 27, 2025, ruled that farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal was not illegally detained but was taken to the hospital by Punjab Police in compliance with Supreme Court orders. As a result, the court disposed of a habeas corpus petition filed on his behalf.
Justice Manisha Batra stated:
"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."
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However, the court issued a directive ensuring that Dallewal’s family, friends, and associates are permitted to visit him in the hospital, provided they adhere to hospital rules and protocols.
Background of the Case
On March 21, 2025, the Punjab and Haryana High Court issued a notice to the Punjab government regarding a habeas corpus plea. The plea was filed after Dallewal was allegedly detained on March 19, along with other farmer leaders, while returning to the protest site after talks with a central government delegation, including the Union Agriculture Minister. Dallewal has been on an indefinite hunger strike since November 2024, demanding the fulfillment of farmers' demands.
The petition argued that Dallewal and several other leaders were detained without prior notice or justification, resulting in clashes between farmers and the police. The plea further claimed:
"300 to 400 other members of the farmer organization were also missing."
Punjab Police’s Response
In response, Punjab Police clarified that Dallewal was not under detention but was taken to the hospital to stabilize his health, following Supreme Court directions.
The court further noted:
"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."
Punjab Police assured that Dallewal’s family and some farmer leaders were granted access to visit him in the hospital, as per court orders.
Final Court Decision
After reviewing the arguments, the High Court concluded that Dallewal was not unlawfully confined. The court ruled:
"The respondents are directed 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."
As a result, the petition was dismissed, and the court found no need for further legal intervention.
Legal Representation
The legal team representing the petitioner included:
- Mr. Gurmohan Preet Singh, Advocate
- Mr. Angrej Singh, Advocate
- Mr. Kanwarjit Singh, Advocate
On behalf of the State of Punjab, Additional Advocate General Mr. Deepender Singh presented the defense.
This ruling marks a significant moment in the ongoing farmer protests, as the legal system continues to balance the rights of individuals with public order considerations.
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
