Wangchuk Loses 8.25 Kg, PIL Seeks Immediate Medical Intervention In Delhi HC

A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Delhi High Court seeking immediate medical treatment and urgent intervention for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since June 28. The petition has urged the Centre and the Delhi government to take steps to safeguard Wangchuk's health, citing concerns over his deteriorating physical condition. The Delhi High Court on Wednesday said it would hear the matter on Thursday due to the urgency involved. A bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia deferred the hearing after noting that no representative appeared for the authorities amid the ongoing work abstention called by the High Court Bar Association.

"Having regard to urgency, list tomorrow," the bench said while directing that a copy of the order be served to the concerned Additional Solicitor General and the Delhi government counsel. The PIL was filed by advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini, who requested the court to direct authorities to provide immediate medical assistance to Wangchuk and take necessary steps to prevent any threat to his life. The plea also sought directions for initiating dialogue with the activist over the issues raised during his protest and ensuring that his concerns are addressed through appropriate channels.

According to the petition, Wangchuk has lost around 8.25 kg since beginning his hunger strike. It stated that the activist has been experiencing repeated episodes of low blood sugar, dizziness, severe muscle loss and weakness. The petitioner claimed that his health condition has worsened significantly and that continuing the hunger strike without medical intervention could pose a serious risk to his life. The plea referred to a newspaper report published on July 14, which highlighted concerns over Wangchuk's declining health during the protest.

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The petitioner argued that allowing the condition of a citizen, particularly a public activist engaged in a peaceful protest, to deteriorate without intervention would amount to a failure of constitutional and public responsibilities. Seeking urgent judicial intervention, the petitioner said the matter involved the protection of Wangchuk's right to life and health. The plea alleged that despite the seriousness of the situation, authorities had not taken adequate steps to address the activist's medical needs or engage with him regarding the demands behind his protest.

Sonam Wangchuk, a renowned education reformist and environmental activist from Ladakh, has been staging the hunger strike to highlight issues related to environmental protection, constitutional safeguards and concerns raised by residents of the region. His protest has drawn attention from civil society groups and supporters who have called for authorities to engage in dialogue and address the issues being raised. The Delhi High Court's hearing on Thursday is expected to examine the requests made in the PIL and consider whether immediate directions are required to ensure medical care for Wangchuk. The matter comes amid growing concerns over the health risks associated with prolonged hunger strikes and the responsibility of authorities to protect the well-being of individuals undertaking such protests.

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