Delhi HC Orders Daily Checks on Sonam Wangchuk
The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre to ensure daily medical monitoring of Sonam Wangchuk as his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar entered its 19th day. The court said government doctors must provide necessary treatment if his condition deteriorates.
Government Doctors to Monitor Wangchuk Daily
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia said every citizen’s life was precious and authorities must make all necessary efforts to protect Wangchuk’s health.
The Centre informed the court that government doctors and medical experts were already monitoring him. The Bench directed that clinical assessments continue daily and that medical intervention be provided based on the doctors’ findings.
The court disposed of the public interest litigation after recording the government’s assurance.
Court Does Not Order Immediate Force-Feeding
The petition had sought Wangchuk’s immediate hospitalisation and administration of essential nutrients through force-feeding.
However, the court did not direct authorities to force-feed or immediately move him to a hospital. It left any intervention to the professional assessment of government doctors, depending on changes in his medical condition.
Wangchuk has reportedly lost more than nine kilograms since beginning the fast on June 28. Doctors have warned that prolonged fasting could increase the risk of serious health complications.
Wangchuk Continues NEET Protest
Wangchuk is fasting in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party’s protest over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak.
The protesters are demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and broader reforms to India’s examination system. A march towards Parliament is planned for July 20 as Wangchuk continues to resist appeals to end his hunger strike.
