The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Centre to ensure that activist Sonam Wangchuk receives daily clinical monitoring by government doctors as he continues his indefinite hunger strike. The court also ordered that "whatever medical intervention is required to check his deteriorating health condition shall also be taken care of," based on the opinion of medical professionals.
A bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia issued the direction while disposing of a public interest litigation (PIL) after hearing the petitioner in person and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the Centre and the Delhi government.
The court emphasised the need to safeguard Wangchuk's health, observing, "Whatever medical intervention is needed to save Sonam Wangchuk's life should be done." It further stated, "We note that the life of any citizen is precious… and all efforts ought to be made by authorities to save the same."
The PIL, filed on Wednesday, had warned that the 59-year-old activist's condition could become critical if he continued his fast, alleging the government had been "least concerned and insensitive" to the situation. The petition urged authorities to hospitalise Wangchuk and administer a liquid diet containing essential nutrients if necessary.
Wangchuk has now completed 19 days of his indefinite hunger strike while participating in Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protests demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination paper leaks and student suicides.
According to his doctor, Wangchuk has lost more than 9 kg, but remains medically stable and mentally alert despite his deteriorating physical condition.
In a video message released on the 18th day of his fast, Wangchuk appealed to supporters to join the CJP's "Chalo Sansad" march on July 20 instead of urging him to end the protest.
Addressing concerns over his health, he said, "There is weakness and my muscles are getting weak, but my heart and core are still fine." Doctors monitoring him have cautioned that while his condition remains stable, a prolonged fast could eventually lead to kidney damage.
Rejecting repeated appeals to call off his hunger strike, Wangchuk said, "Instead of asking me to end my hunger strike, ask the government why it refuses to listen."