A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Delhi High Court seeking urgent medical intervention for activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar has entered its 18th day.

The petition, filed by activist-lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini, urges the Centre and the Delhi government to shift Wangchuk to a government hospital and, if necessary, administer a medically supervised liquid diet to prevent further deterioration in his health.

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According to the plea, Wangchuk has reportedly lost around 8.5 kg since beginning the fast on June 28, and his condition has become critical. Organisers have claimed his life could be at risk if the hunger strike continues.

Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk being attended by medical professionals on the 18th day of his indefinite hunger strike during the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) protest, demanding the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi on Wednesday. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke present. (ANI Photo/Rahul Singh)
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Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk being attended by medical professionals on the 18th day of his indefinite hunger strike during the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest, demanding the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi on Wednesday. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke present. (ANI Photo/Rahul Singh)

Why has the Delhi High Court been approached?

According to the PIL, although peaceful demonstrations and fasting can be considered a basic right of democracy, it is the duty of the State to ensure the safety and well-being of each citizen under the constitution.

The PIL suggests that it was within their right to intervene for the purpose of saving his life, despite Wangchuk’s refusal. The petition suggests that he should be moved to a government hospital and given essential vitamins and minerals through a liquid diet.

The petitioner also argued that allowing his health to deteriorate without intervention would amount to a failure of the government’s constitutional responsibilities.

What is Sonam Wangchuk protesting?

Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28, after joining protests organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar.

The campaign is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in NEET and other competitive examinations.

Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk Continues Hunger Strike in Support of CJP Campaign at Jantar Mantar
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Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk Continues Hunger Strike in Support of CJP Campaign at Jantar Mantar | ANI

A number of Opposition party leaders have been encouraging Wangchuk to call off the fast, supporting his stance. Not only that but the author Arundhati Roy, the actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, and economist Jayati Ghosh have asked Wangchuk to call off the hunger strike.

Also Read | ‘Things looking grimmer by the day’: Sonam Wangchuk loses 7.8 kg as hunger strike enters day 16

It can be noted that the PIL has been filed for urgent listing in front of the Delhi High Court. But it has to be said that it is still unclear as to when the issue will be heard as the Delhi High Court Bar Association is observing abstention of work on July 15 because of the proposal of enhancing the pecuniary jurisdiction of the district court.

FAQs

Q1. Why a PIL has been filed for Sonam Wangchuk?


The petition is filed with the intention of providing urgent medical attention, such as admitting him into the hospital and force-feeding him.

Q2. What is the reason behind the hunger strike of Sonam Wangchuk?


He has been fasting since June 28 as he supports the protestors who demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.