The Delhi High Court is set to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking urgent medical intervention for activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 18 days. The petition claims that Wangchuk’s health has deteriorated significantly and warns that he may not survive for more than two days if the fast continues. It urges the court to direct authorities to shift him to a government hospital and administer essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals through a liquid diet to preserve his life while respecting his constitutional rights.
A bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia agreed to take up the matter on an urgent basis after noting that no representative of the Union government was present due to the ongoing work abstention by the Delhi High Court Bar Association. The court directed that the authorities be informed immediately and scheduled the matter for hearing the following day. According to the petition, Wangchuk has reportedly lost around 8.5 kilograms since beginning his fast on June 28 during protests demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
The petitioner argued that peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right and that allowing a citizen to die from a prolonged hunger strike would be a grave failure on the part of the state. The plea alleges that both the Central and Delhi governments have shown inadequate concern for Wangchuk’s condition and contends that inaction could amount to abetment of suicide. The case has drawn widespread public attention as the court prepares to consider whether medical intervention should be ordered while balancing an individual’s right to protest with the state’s responsibility to protect life.
