New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday ordered that both the Central and Delhi governments must monitor activist Sonam Wangchuk’s health daily as he continues an indefinite hunger strike, saying all medical steps should be taken to protect his life.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia issued the direction after officials told the court government doctors would check Wangchuk each day.
What Court Recorded
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench that Wangchuk’s condition would be tracked daily by government medical teams and that doctors would determine any necessary medical intervention should his health deteriorate further. The court underlined that every citizen’s life is valuable and that authorities are obliged to protect it. The bench accepted the Solicitor General’s assurance and formally ordered routine, daily monitoring of Wangchuk’s health, as reported by The Statesman.
The court also inquired whether formal health checkup reports existed. The Solicitor General replied that a report could be prepared.
Petition Prompting The Order
The directions followed a public interest litigation filed by advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini, which asked the court to compel authorities to take immediate steps to save Wangchuk, including hospitalisation and force-feeding if necessary. The petition stated Wangchuk’s condition had declined rapidly, saying he had lost 8.5 kg, and warned that his life could be endangered within two days if he continued the strike.
The plea accused the government of treating Wangchuk as if he were a criminal or a threat to the nation and argued that, at minimum, authorities should provide proper medical care even through involuntary means. The petitioner also asserted that courts retain public trust amid doubts about the government’s concern for Wangchuk.
Context Of Protest
Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike on June 28 after joining demonstrations at Jantar Mantar organised by the Cockroach Janta Party. Protesters have demanded the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging question-paper leaks and broader irregularities in the education system. The Cockroach Janta Party’s demonstrations began on June 20 with the same demand.
Courtroom Developments
During proceedings, the Solicitor General said Wangchuk undergoes daily health checks and that the activist has at times allowed government doctors to examine him. He added that a private physician also visits him occasionally. The court requested regular submission of medical reports and reiterated the sanctity of life, before issuing formal directions for daily clinical monitoring. The matter remains pending before the Delhi High Court, with further hearings expected.
