The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Central Government to provide all necessary medical assistance to save the life of environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, whose indefinite hunger strike entered its 19th day. The court stressed that every citizen’s life is valuable and the government must take all possible steps to protect it.
The order came after a petition claimed that the 59-year-old activist had lost around 8.5 kg during the fast and could face a life-threatening condition if he continued without food for another 48 hours. The petition sought his immediate admission to a government hospital and requested that he be given essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals through a liquid diet. It also argued that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, any harm to Wangchuk would damage India’s image internationally.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that Wangchuk’s health was being monitored daily by both government and private doctors. The High Court, however, directed that only government doctors should conduct his daily medical examinations. It also instructed the Centre to provide immediate treatment or medication if required based on the medical reports.
Hours before the court’s order, Wangchuk shared a video on social media, saying he was experiencing weakness and muscle fatigue due to the prolonged fast but that his heart and other vital health parameters remained stable. Despite appeals from several senior leaders to end his fast, he said he would continue until the government responded, adding that ending the protest without any action would send the wrong message.
Wangchuk also urged people to participate in the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on July 20 instead of merely asking him to end his fast.
The CJP, led by Abhijit Deepke, is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in competitive examinations, particularly the NEET-UG exam. Wangchuk has also appealed to students across the country to support the movement.