‘Life of any citizen…’: Delhi HC orders Centre, state govt to monitor Sonam Wangchuk's health as fast enters 18th day
The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the central and the Delhi governments to monitor the health and medical conditions of activisit Sonam Wangchuk, who
The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the central and the Delhi governments to monitor the health and medical conditions of activisit Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike since 28 June, on a daily basis. Today is the 19th day of hunger strike Wangchuk is carrying out to demand the resignation of India's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. A Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia passed the order, saying, "Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has stated on instructions that health condition of Wangchuk shall be regularly monitored on daily basis by government doctors. He further told the Court that, depending on the opinion of the doctors, whatever medical intervention is needed to check the deteriorating health condition of Wangchuk shall also be taken. We only observe that life of any citizen is precious and all efforts ought to be made by the government authorities to save the same. We appreciate the stance taken by Solicitor General and accordingly direct that medical condition of Wangchuk, clinically and otherwise, be regularly monitored on daily basis," as per a report by Bar and Bench. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What is Sonam Wangchuk's current health condition during his hunger strike? ⌵ Sonam Wangchuk's health has significantly deteriorated; he has lost over 9 kilograms and has entered the second stage of prolonged starvation, with rising uric acid levels indicating muscle breakdown.
2 Why did Sonam Wangchuk start his hunger strike? ⌵ Wangchuk began his hunger strike to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) 2026 and other examinations. 3 How is the government monitoring Sonam Wangchuk's health during his hunger strike? ⌵ The Delhi High Court has ordered the central and Delhi governments to monitor Wangchuk's health daily, allowing for necessary medical interventions based on doctors' assessments. 4 What are the potential risks associated with Sonam Wangchuk's continued fasting? ⌵ The medical team has warned that prolonged fasting could lead to multi-organ complications and significant internal stress as his body transitions from fat and muscle consumption to potential organ distress. 5 Should individuals participate in protests related to Sonam Wangchuk's cause? ⌵ Participation in protests is encouraged by supporters, who believe it is essential to address the long-pending demands for education reforms and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. The order was passed on a public interest litigation (PIL) which was filed seeking government intervention to save the life of the activist who went on a hunger strike after joining protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against the central government and specifically Pradhan after the leak of NEET-UG question papers.
The BriefWire