The Supreme Court of India has deferred its hearing to January 2, regarding the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government’s compliance with its order to provide medical treatment to farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for over a month, is demanding the implementation of 13 farm reforms. As of today, his fast has entered its 36th day.

The statewide bandh, called in support of Dallewal, began at 7 am and will continue until 4 pm. Farmer unions across Punjab are leading protests at key highways and railway stations, resulting in significant disruptions. Over 150 trains, including the Vande Bharat Express, have been canceled, and buses have been off the roads due to chakka jams at more than 200 locations. Educational institutions are closed, and fruit and vegetable markets are facing major disruptions as truckers join the protest.

Dallewal, convener of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, is demanding a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) for crops and other reforms. The Supreme Court has repeatedly instructed the Punjab government to ensure that Dallewal receives proper medical care while on his fast-unto-death at the Khanouri border.