PIL seeks 'force feeding' to Sonam Wangchuk, Delhi HC issues notice
Delhi High Court issued notice to the Centre and Delhi government on a PIL seeking urgent medical care for Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (July 15) issued notice to the Centre and the Delhi government in response to a PIL seeking urgent medical intervention for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.
The PIL was filed by lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini before the division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, which termed the matter as “urgent” and sought to know the Centre’s and Delhi government’s stand on it by Thursday (July 16).
HC issues notice
"Most unfortunate situation. Social activist who is on protest in exercise of his fundamental right against highly criticised govt actual is virtually committing an act of taking his own life in front of whole nation," submitted Saini who appeared in person as quoted by Live Law.
Also Read: Day 16: Wangchuk loses 8.2 kg; ‘don’t turn this into battle of egos’, CJP urges Centre
However, the bench adjourned the matter till Thursday due to the absence of the Centre’s counsel. "We are entertaining your petition. We will post this tomorrow. We will require UOI to obtain instruction. We will ask Registry to give this order to authorities today itself," the bench orally stated.
Plea seeks medical care
The PIL sought directions to the Centre and Delhi government to shift Wangchuk to a hospital and provide urgent medical attention, including force-feeding.
“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 a human body to survive,” stated the PIL.
Hunger strike enters third week
The plea pertains to Wangchuk's ongoing indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, where he has been fasting since June 28 while seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak. The protest has been launched in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
Also Read: Sonam Wangchuk's fast enters Day 7, health worsens as CJP renews Pradhan exit demand
The petition stated that Wangchuk's health has deteriorated as the fast entered its third week. It was stated that he has lost more than 8 kg since commencing the protest and that his blood sugar levels have also dropped, prompting concerns over his medical condition.
"We will serve notice to learned ASG. Let copy of this order be served to ASG and standing counsel civil GNCTD," stated the Court.