Delhi High Court Orders Medical Care for Sonam Wangchuk as Hunger Strike Enters 19th Day
The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Centre and concerned authorities to ensure proper medical care for activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk, who has entered the 19th day of his indefinite hunger strike during protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The court stressed that every citizen’s life is valuable and ordered authorities to provide whatever medical intervention is necessary to protect Wangchuk’s health.
“Whatever medical intervention is needed to save Sonam Wangchuk’s life should be done. We note that the life of any citizen is precious, and all efforts ought to be made by authorities to save the same,” the High Court observed.
The order came while hearing a petition filed on Wednesday, which claimed that the 59-year-old activist’s health had deteriorated significantly after losing around 8.5 kilograms during the fast. The plea warned that without urgent intervention, his condition could become life-threatening and urged authorities to admit him to a government hospital and provide essential nutrients through a liquid diet if required.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, informed the court that Wangchuk was undergoing daily medical examinations, although the check-ups were not always conducted by government doctors. The court directed that government doctors should regularly monitor his health and provide timely medical treatment whenever necessary.
Earlier in the day, Wangchuk released a video message saying that although he was experiencing weakness and muscle fatigue, his overall condition remained stable for someone observing a prolonged hunger strike.
However, he made it clear that he would not end his fast until the government responded to the protesters’ demands, saying that doing so without any action would send the wrong message.
Instead, Wangchuk appealed to people across the country to participate in the planned July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, urging citizens, students and supporters to join the movement and help take the issue before Members of Parliament.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by Abhijeet Dipke, is protesting over alleged irregularities and repeated paper leaks in major competitive examinations, including the NEET-UG medical entrance examination. The group is demanding the resignation or removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the controversy.
The High Court’s intervention has brought fresh attention to Wangchuk’s deteriorating health while highlighting the authorities’ responsibility to safeguard his life as the indefinite hunger strike continues.
