Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike: Delhi High Court issued the important direction
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia issued the direction while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking urgent intervention to protect Wangchuk's health.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has directed the Central Government and the Delhi Government to ensure that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk receives daily medical monitoring as his health continues to deteriorate during his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike: Delhi High Court issued the important direction.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia issued the direction while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking urgent intervention to protect Wangchuk’s health.
During the hearing, the Bench asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta whether any system was in place to monitor Wangchuk’s condition. In response, Mehta informed the court that the activist is undergoing daily medical check-ups.
Taking note of the assurance, the High Court directed that Wangchuk’s health be monitored daily by government doctors and that any medical treatment required based on doctors’ recommendations be provided without delay.
The court observed that every citizen’s life is precious and emphasized that government authorities must make all necessary efforts to safeguard Wangchuk’s life. After recording the government’s assurance, the Bench disposed of the PIL.
The petition was filed by advocate and social activist Rakesh Kumar Saini, who argued that Wangchuk’s health had worsened after several days of fasting. The petitioner cited a July 14 news report stating that Wangchuk had lost 8.25 kg during the protest and that one of the fasting students had been hospitalized.
Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 at Jantar Mantar, demanding action on issues related to India’s education system and calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The petition also contended that government inaction could amount to abetment of suicide under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and urged authorities to provide immediate medical care, even if necessary to do so forcibly, to protect Wangchuk’s life.
