The Delhi HC (High Court) on Thursday directed the Centre to ensure that activist Sonam Wangchuk undergoes a daily medical examination by government doctors while continuing his hunger strike. The court also said that appropriate medical intervention should be provided if his health condition worsens.
Wangchuk has been on an indefinite fast since June 28 as part of a protest organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the examination system.
Delhi HC issues directions on Wangchuk’s health
A bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia disposed of a petition after recording the Centre’s assurance regarding Wangchuk’s medical care.
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While passing the order, the bench stressed the importance of safeguarding every citizen’s life.
“While noticing the assurances given by the Solicitor General we observe that life of citizens is precious and all medical attempts must be made by the government authorities to appreciate the same and we direct that medical condition of Sh Wangchuk shall be regularly monitored on daily basis and depending on the opinion of doctors, whatever medical intervention is required be taken, considering his deteriorating condition. The petition is disposed of.”
Plea sought hospitalisation and force-feeding
The directions came while hearing a petition filed by advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini. The plea sought directions to the Centre and the Delhi government to shift Wangchuk to a hospital and provide medical treatment, including force-feeding if required.
According to the petition, Wangchuk’s health has declined considerably during the fast, with the activist reportedly losing around 8.5 kg. It further claimed that if the hunger strike continued, his life could be at serious risk within the next two days.
The petition also stated, “If he passes away, it would be a matter of great shame for the country and the world.”
Centre assures daily health monitoring
Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the High Court that Wangchuk’s condition would be monitored every day by government doctors and medical experts. He also informed the bench that any treatment or medical intervention considered necessary, based on doctors’ assessment of his deteriorating health, would be provided without delay.
Civil society members urge Wangchuk to end fast
On Tuesday, more than 1,800 members of civil society, including academics, artists and activists such as Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Arundhati Roy, Nivedita Menon, Jean Drèze, Lalita Ramdas and Kavita Srivastava, wrote to Wangchuk, urging him to call off his hunger strike.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also appealed to the activist to protect his health.
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“His life is invaluable to the entire world because it embodies a commitment to humanity and the environment that is as profound as his commitment to democracy.”
The CJP has been staging its protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar since June 20. The agitation began after a controversy over remarks attributed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during a hearing on the conferment of the “senior” designation on lawyers. The CJI later clarified that he had been misquoted and said his remarks were aimed at people entering the legal profession with “fake and bogus degrees,” not at young lawyers.
FAQs:
Why did the Delhi High Court intervene in Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike?
The Delhi High Court directed the Centre to ensure daily medical monitoring and necessary treatment as concerns grew over Wangchuk’s deteriorating health.
Did the Delhi High Court order force-feeding of Sonam Wangchuk?
No, the court did not order force-feeding; it only directed daily health checks and necessary medical intervention based on doctors’ advice.
