New Delhi, Jan 22 (Reporter) The Supreme Court on Wednesday deferred contempt proceedings against Punjab Government officials over their alleged failure to shift farmers’ leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal to a hospital. The decision came after the Court was informed of significant progress in resolving the stalemate between protesting farmers and the Union Government. A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant, Justice Dipankar Datta, and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan noted that Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike since November 26, 2024, for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other demands, has accepted medical intervention. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the Punjab Government, informed the Court that following a high-level delegation's meeting with Dallewal and other farmers’ leaders on January 18, several positive steps had been taken, including the scheduling of talks with the Union Government on February 14, 2025, in Chandigarh. Sibal stated that Dallewal has taken medical aid, resulting in an improvement in his health. Although he has not broken his fast, his ketone levels have decreased significantly. Dallewal has been shifted to a makeshift hospital near the protest site. The Union Government’s delegation assured farmers of discussions on February 14 at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute in Chandigarh. Farmers, including Dallewal, have agreed to participate in these talks. The bench suggested that Dallewal visit the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI), Chandigarh, for a comprehensive medical checkup ahead of the February 14 meeting. The Court expressed hope that Dallewal and other stakeholders would prioritize their health and actively participate in the discussions for a resolution. Dallewal and other farmers, under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha, have been protesting at the Khanauri border since November 2024, demanding a statutory guarantee for MSP and other rights. The contempt proceedings arose after the Punjab Government allegedly failed to comply with a Supreme Court order directing Dallewal’s hospitalization due to his deteriorating health. The authorities cited resistance from farmers and the risk of physical confrontation as reasons for non-compliance. Negotiators and intervenors had been mobilized by the Punjab Government to persuade the farmers, culminating in the January 18 breakthrough. The Supreme Court lauded the positive developments, stating, “We are informed that the Union Government sent a high-level deputation to meet Dallewal and other farmers' leaders. Both sides have agreed to hold a dialogue on February 14, 2025, in Chandigarh. Dallewal, with this averment, has accepted medical aid, and his condition has improved.” The Court kept the contempt proceedings in abeyance and dispensed with the presence of Punjab officials. The next hearing is scheduled for the end of February 2025 to assess the outcome of the February 14 meeting. The Top Court emphasized that all stakeholders should act in the national interest and work towards resolving the issues affecting the farmers’ community...////...