A petition before the Delhi High Court seeks immediate medical care and force-feeding for Sonam Wangchuk, claiming his health has deteriorated dangerously during his indefinite hunger strike over alleged NEET-related irregularities
New Delhi: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Delhi High Court seeking urgent medical intervention for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar entered its 18th day.
The petition, filed by advocate 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 preserve his life. It claims Wangchuk has lost around 8.5 kg and warns that his health has deteriorated significantly.
The plea argues that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, the State has a constitutional duty to protect life. It also contends that authorities cannot remain passive if a person’s life is in imminent danger and seeks immediate judicial intervention.
Wangchuk has been on an indefinite fast since June 28 after joining protests organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in NEET and other competitive examinations.
The PIL was listed before a division bench of the Delhi High Court but the hearing was deferred to Thursday following lawyers’ abstention from work.
Meanwhile, organisers said Wangchuk continues to refuse food despite repeated appeals from supporters. The CJP has announced a nationwide one-day mass hunger strike on July 16 and a “Chalo Sansad” march on July 20 to intensify the campaign.
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