The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Central Government to ensure all necessary medical assistance is provided to environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, whose indefinite hunger strike in support of the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan entered its 19th day.
Expressing concern over Wangchuk’s health, the court said the life of every citizen is valuable and instructed authorities to take all required steps to safeguard his well-being and provide immediate treatment whenever needed. According to submissions made before the court, the 59-year-old activist has lost around 8.5 kg since beginning the fast. The petitioners warned that his condition could become critical if the hunger strike continues for another 48 hours without medical intervention.
The plea sought Wangchuk’s immediate admission to a government hospital and requested that essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals be administered through a liquid diet if required to preserve his health. It also argued that while peaceful protest is a constitutional and democratic right, any deterioration in his condition amid international attention would reflect poorly on the country’s image.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that Wangchuk was undergoing regular health examinations, conducted by both government and private doctors. The High Court, however, directed that his medical monitoring should be carried out exclusively by government doctors on a daily basis. The court further ordered that authorities must act without delay if medical reports indicate the need for treatment, medication or hospitalisation. Hours before the hearing, Wangchuk released a video message on social media, saying that the prolonged fast had caused weakness and muscle fatigue, although his heart function and other vital health parameters remained stable.
Despite appeals from several political leaders to end the strike, Wangchuk said he would continue the protest until there was a response from the government, arguing that ending the fast prematurely would send the wrong message. He urged supporters and students across the country to participate in the CJP’s proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20 rather than merely appealing to him to withdraw the agitation.
The protest, led by CJP leader Abhijit Deepke, is demanding the resignation or removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities and paper leak incidents in competitive examinations, particularly the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG examination conducted on May 3.
Wangchuk has also appealed to students nationwide to join the movement and support demands for accountability in the examination system.
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