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- Delhi HC orders health monitoring for Sonam Wangchuk.
- Activist on indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.
- Court emphasizes "life of any citizen is precious."
The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed authorities to monitor the health of activist Sonam Wangchuk and extend medical aid as needed. He is currently on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, having joined the Cockroach Janta Party's protests against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Emphasising that "the life of any citizen is precious," the court ordered on Thursday morning, "Whatever medical intervention is needed to save Sonam Wangchuk's life should be done." The bench added, "We note that the life of any citizen is precious… and all efforts ought to be made by authorities to save the same."
Plea Warned Sonam Wangchuk May Not Survive Next 48 Hours
The court's order came in response to a plea filed on Wednesday, which warned that the 59-year-old activist might not survive the next 48 hours if he does not break his fast. The petition sharply criticised the government, accusing it of being 'least concerned and insensitive' to the situation.
Filed after Wangchuk had already lost 8.5 kg, the plea urged immediate medical intervention to save his life. "The simple thing to be done is to take him to a government hospital and force-feed him the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals by way of a liquid diet which are necessary for the human body to survive."
While acknowledging that "holding a peaceful protest at a public place is a fundamental, democratic right of the citizens," the plea argued, "Wangchuk's death would be a matter of great shame for the country and the world".
Court Orders Daily Medical Checks By Government Doctors, Says 'Every Life Is Precious'
During the hearing, the court questioned the government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, over the lack of oversight regarding Wangchuk's health. While Mehta stated that daily health check-ups were already underway, he admitted "sometimes it is private doctors" conducting the examinations rather than state-run medical staff.
"We would like this person to receive regular and daily medical checks from government doctors… and intervention depending on those reports. And if any medication is required, please intervene. Every life is precious," the court said.
Wangchuk Refuses To End The Strike
Hours before the High Court issued the order, Wangchul shared a video message reaffirming his resolve to continue the hunger strike. He said that his current condition remains normal for someone on a hunger strike.
While acknowledging 'angry' appeals from senior politicians urging him to break his fast, the activist ruled out ending the strike, stating that doing so would send the 'wrong message'.
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"It is not bad… So that is why I can walk for many days now. Yes, there is weakness… my muscles are getting tired… but my heart and core are still fine. So instead of just saying 'break the fast', I would request you take a small step. Come in large numbers on July 20 (the day of the CJP protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar) … so a message goes to the government," Wangchuk said.
(With Inputs From Agencies)