Delhi High Court Orders Medical Care for Sonam Wangchuk

The Delhi High Court has directed the Central Government to ensure that environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk receives all necessary medical treatment under the supervision of government doctors as his indefinite hunger strike entered a critical phase. Wangchuk has been fasting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi since late last month, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the conduct of entrance examinations. Observing that every citizen's life is precious, the court stressed that governments must make every effort to protect human life.

The court's intervention came after a petition warned that Wangchuk's life could be at risk if the hunger strike continued for another 48 hours. Medical experts have reported that the 59-year-old activist has lost around nine kilograms during the 19-day fast. In a video message, Wangchuk acknowledged that his health had deteriorated but said it had not reached an extremely critical stage. He appealed to supporters not to urge him to end the fast and instead participate in the peaceful 'Chalo Sansad' march scheduled for July 20.