Delhi High Court – Court Orders Daily Health Monitoring of Sonam Wangchuk During Indefinite Fast
Delhi High Court – The Delhi High Court has directed authorities to conduct daily health assessments of activist Sonam Wangchuk and ensure immediate medical care whenever required as he continues his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
The order was issued on Thursday by a bench headed by Chief Justice D. K. Upadhyaya along with Justice Tejas Karia while hearing a public interest petition that raised concerns about Wangchuk’s health condition during the ongoing protest. The court emphasized that protecting the life and well-being of every citizen remains a fundamental responsibility of the authorities.
Court Stresses Importance of Medical Care
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing both the Central Government and the Delhi Government, informed the bench that there was no objection to arranging regular medical examinations for Wangchuk. The submission was welcomed by the court, which observed that timely medical supervision was necessary considering the activist’s continued fast.
The judges noted that every citizen’s life holds significant value and that government agencies should make every possible effort to safeguard it. In view of the government’s stand, the court instructed officials to closely monitor Wangchuk’s health every day and provide any medical treatment or intervention considered necessary by healthcare professionals.
PIL Raised Concern Over Activist’s Health
The public interest litigation was filed to seek judicial intervention regarding Wangchuk’s physical condition as his indefinite fast continues. The petition highlighted the possible health risks associated with a prolonged hunger strike and requested the court to ensure that appropriate medical attention remained available throughout the protest.
After considering the submissions made before it, the High Court decided that continuous health monitoring would help ensure that medical assistance could be provided without unnecessary delay if his condition deteriorates.
Hunger Strike Continues at Jantar Mantar
Sonam Wangchuk has been participating in a protest at Jantar Mantar since June 28, where he began an indefinite fast. His participation is linked to the ongoing demonstration organized by the Cockroach Janta Party, which has continued for more than 25 days in the national capital.
The protest has drawn attention due to its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The demonstrators have alleged irregularities in the conduct of the NEET examination and have called for accountability over the matter.
Protest Remains Focused on NEET Issue
The demonstration has remained centered on concerns surrounding the NEET examination, with organizers maintaining their demand for action against those they believe are responsible for the alleged irregularities. While the legal proceedings before the High Court were limited to Wangchuk’s health and medical safety, the broader protest over the examination issue continues at Jantar Mantar.
With the High Court’s latest direction now in place, authorities are expected to carry out regular medical evaluations and provide necessary healthcare support as Wangchuk’s indefinite fast continues.