The order was issued by the division bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia during the hearing of a PIL. Photo: PTI
Delhi HC orders daily monitoring by govt doctors for Sonam Wangchuk amid hunger strike
Delhi High Court directed daily health monitoring of Sonam Wangchuk as his hunger strike entered its 19th day, ordering immediate medical intervention if required
Amid growing concern over the condition of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's health as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 19th day, the Delhi High Court on Thursday (July 16) directed the Centre and the Delhi government to ensure daily monitoring of his health and provide immediate medical intervention, if required.
The development comes at a time when Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in support of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan regarding alleged exam irregularities.
The order was issued by the division bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia during the hearing of a PIL expressing concern over Wangchuk's deteriorating health.
HC orders health monitoring
The plea stated that the 59-year-old activist had lost around 8.5 kg during the fast and warned that his life could be at serious risk if the strike continued.
"We observe that life of any citizen is precious and all efforts ought to be made by government authorities to save the same," the bench said.
Also Read: ‘Muscles weak, heart fine’: Wangchuk allays health fears, urges all to join July 20 march
The court further directed, "Whatever medical intervention is needed to save Sonam Wangchuk's life should be done by the government.”
“We appreciate the stand taken by the Solicitor General and direct that Wangchuk's medical condition shall be monitored on a daily basis and whatever medical intervention is required shall be taken," it added.
Govt doctors to examine
However, during the hearing, appearing for both the Centre and the Delhi government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta admitted that although doctors were regularly examining Wanhchuk’s condition, they were not always government doctors.
Elaborating further, Mehra submitted that there was no objection to Wangchuk undergoing regular health examinations.
Also Read: 'Wangchuk's health matters, but movement needs to go national' | Capital Beat
"... Sometimes it is government doctors… sometimes it is private doctors," said Mehta as quoted by NDTV.
At this point the bench stated that Wangchuk's condition should be assessed every day by government doctors and that medical assistance must be provided whenever necessary.
"We would like this person to receive regular and daily medical checks from government doctors… and intervention depending on those reports. And if any medication is required, please intervene. Every life is precious!” stated the Bench.
PIL seeks force-feeding
The PIL sought urgent medical care, including force-feeding the activist if required. "The simple thing to be done is to take him to a government hospital and force-feed him the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals by way of a liquid diet which are necessary for the human body to survive," it stated.
Also Read: PIL seeks 'force feeding' to Sonam Wangchuk, Delhi HC issues notice
Hours before the hearing, Wangchuk released a video message acknowledging concerns over his health but maintained that he would continue the fast.
What Wangchuk said
"It is not bad… So that is why I can walk for many days now. Yes, there is weakness… my muscles are getting tired… but my heart and core are still fine," he said, urging supporters to gather in large numbers at the CJP protest on July 20.
The CJP has been protesting for over 25 days, demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET-UG exam.
(With agency inputs)