The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Centre to ensure regular medical monitoring of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. Observing that the life of every citizen is precious, the court said Wangchuk's health should be clinically assessed every day and that any medical intervention considered necessary by doctors should be provided promptly. The order came while disposing of a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking urgent medical assistance for the activist.
A bench of the High Court recorded the assurance given by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, that Wangchuk's health would be monitored daily by government doctors and medical experts. The court directed that, based on the opinion of the medical team, appropriate treatment should be administered to address any deterioration in his condition. While appreciating the Centre's stand, the bench emphasised that protecting the life of every citizen is a constitutional responsibility.
The PIL, filed by advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini, had expressed concern over Wangchuk's allegedly worsening health after nearly three weeks of fasting. The petition sought immediate medical aid and requested directions to administer essential nutrition, including liquid diets, proteins and vitamins, if required, to prevent further deterioration. It argued that while peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right, authorities also have a duty to safeguard the life and health of those participating in such demonstrations.
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The petition further referred to previous instances in which governments had intervened to protect the lives of hunger strikers, arguing that such action was consistent with constitutional obligations and public interest. It maintained that taking timely medical measures to save a protester's life should not be viewed as interference with democratic rights but rather as the discharge of the state's duty to preserve life.
Wangchuk, along with members of Abhijeet Dipke's CJP, has been on an indefinite hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. The protesters have also sought compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the examination controversy. In addition, they have announced plans for a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session.
Disposing of the petition, the High Court reiterated that all necessary efforts should be made to protect Wangchuk's health while respecting his right to protest. The bench directed that his medical condition be reviewed daily and that any treatment considered necessary by the attending doctors be provided without delay. With the court's directions now in place, government authorities are expected to continue monitoring Wangchuk's health as his hunger strike continues.
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