The Delhi High Court has directed the government to ensure the health of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 19 days after joining the Cockroach Janta Party protests against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
“Any medical intervention necessary to save the life of Sonam Wangchuk must be done,” the court ruled on Thursday morning. “We note that the life of any citizen is precious… and the authorities must make every effort to preserve it.”
The court ruled on the lawsuit filed on Wednesday, warning that the 59-year-old may not survive the next 48 hours unless he breaks his fast. He accused the government of being “least concerned and insensitive” to the situation.
The statement, filed after he lost 8.5kg, said: “The simplest thing to do is to take him to a government hospital and force-feed him the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals through a liquid diet that the human body needs to survive.”
Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk
The statement also argued that while “conducting a peaceful protest in a public place is a fundamental democratic right of citizens,” Wangchuck’s death “would be a great disgrace to the country and the world.”
During the hearing, the court questioned the government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, over the lack of oversight of Wangchuck’s health. The government said medical examinations were conducted daily, although doctors were not always from government agencies. “…sometimes these are private doctors,” Mehta admitted.
To this, the court responded: “We would like this person to undergo regular and daily medical examinations by government doctors… and intervention based on these reports. And if any medications are required, please intervene. Every life is precious!”
A few hours before the court’s decision, Wangchuk shared an emotional video message.
He stressed that his condition remains normal for a person on hunger strike. He also ruled out ending the strike – despite “angry” calls from senior politicians – without government action as it would send the “wrong message”.
SUMMARY | Hunger strike begins on day 19, says Sonam Wangchuck: “What message will it send?”
“It’s not bad… That’s why I can walk for days now. Yes, there is weakness… my muscles are getting tired… but my heart and heart are still fine. So instead of just saying “break your fast,” I would ask you to take a small step. Come in large numbers on July 20 (CJP protest day at Jantar Mantar in Delhi)… so that the message is sent to the government.”
“We will all hand over this issue to the deputies together. Then I will consider that the matter has passed into the right hands,” Wangchuk said, also calling on schoolchildren and students to join.
The CJP, led by Abhijeet Deepke, is a growing movement demanding Pradhan’s resignation or resignation over numerous incidents of question paper leaks for competitive exams, including the May 3 NEET-UG exam for aspiring medical students.