Delhi High Court Seeks Centre, Delhi Government's Response on Plea Seeking Medical Intervention for Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike

Delhi High Court says matter is urgent; seeks Centre and Delhi Government's stand on PIL seeking medical treatment for activist Sonam Wangchuk.

Delhi High Court Takes Up Urgent PIL on Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday agreed to hear an urgent Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking immediate medical intervention for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since June 28.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia termed the matter urgent and directed the Central Government and the Delhi Government to place their stand before the Court.

The matter has been listed for hearing on Thursday.

Court Seeks Response from Centre and Delhi Government

The PIL was filed by advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini, who appeared before the Court in person.

During the hearing, Saini submitted that Wangchuk's health had deteriorated significantly due to the prolonged hunger strike and urged the Court to intervene immediately.

Describing the situation as unfortunate, Saini told the Court that a social activist exercising his fundamental right to protest was risking his own life in public view.

Taking note of the urgency, the Bench observed:

"We are entertaining your petition. We will post this tomorrow. We will require Union of India to obtain instructions."

Since no counsel appeared on behalf of the Union Government during the hearing, the Court adjourned the matter until the following day.

The Bench also directed that copies of the order be served immediately to the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) and the standing counsel for the Government of NCT of Delhi (GNCTD).

PIL Seeks Immediate Medical Treatment

In the petition, Saini has sought directions to both the Central Government and the Delhi Government to ensure immediate medical care for Sonam Wangchuk.

The plea requests the authorities to:

• Shift Wangchuk to a government hospital.

• Provide necessary medical treatment.

• Administer essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals through a liquid diet, including force-feeding if required.

• Take appropriate steps to protect his life and health.

According to the petition, immediate intervention is necessary to prevent further deterioration in Wangchuk's condition.

Why Is Sonam Wangchuk on Hunger Strike?

Sonam Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi.

The protest has been organised in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-focused political campaign.

The protest demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the conduct of competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak.

Health Condition Reportedly Worsening

According to the petition, Wangchuk's health has deteriorated considerably during the course of the hunger strike.

It has been claimed that:

• He has lost around 8 to 8.5 kilograms.

• His blood sugar levels have reportedly fallen.

• His condition continues to worsen as the protest enters its third week.

The petitioner argued that continued fasting could put Wangchuk's life at serious risk if urgent medical intervention is not provided.

Civil Society Appeals to Wangchuk

On Tuesday, more than 1,800 members of civil society reportedly urged Wangchuk to end his hunger strike.

The signatories stated that they were making the appeal out of concern for his health.

Among those who signed the letter were:

• Naseeruddin Shah

• Ratna Pathak Shah

• Arundhati Roy

• Nivedita Menon

• Jean Drèze

• Lalita Ramdas

• Kavita Srivastava

The appeal reportedly stated that they were requesting Wangchuk to withdraw the fast because they believed the Union Government was unwilling to engage in dialogue with the protesters.

Campaign Organiser Expresses Concern

According to reports, Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the campaign, said that after 17 days of fasting, Wangchuk had started losing muscle mass and was experiencing severe physical pain.

Dipke said he had personally requested Wangchuk to end the hunger strike.

He further stated that Wangchuk questioned why the Union Government was unwilling to initiate dialogue with the protesters.

Delhi High Court to Hear Matter Again

Recognising the urgency involved, the Delhi High Court directed that the matter be listed the very next day.

The Court ordered:

• Notice to the Union Government.

• Service of the order on the Additional Solicitor General.

• Service upon the standing counsel representing the Delhi Government.

The Bench will consider the responses of both governments during the next hearing.

Key Developments

• Delhi High Court entertained an urgent PIL concerning Sonam Wangchuk's health.

• Centre and Delhi Government have been asked to respond.

• The petitioner seeks immediate medical treatment and force-feeding if medically required.

• Wangchuk has been on hunger strike since June 28.

• The protest seeks the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak.

• More than 1,800 civil society members have appealed to Wangchuk to end the hunger strike.

• The matter is listed for hearing on Thursday.

Case Details

Case Title: Rakesh Kumar Saini v. Union of India & Another

Court: Delhi High Court

Bench: Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia

Petitioner: Rakesh Kumar Saini