Delhi High Court Orders Daily Health Check-ups for Fasting Activist Sonam Wangchuk
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the central government and the Delhi government to ensure that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's health is monitored daily and that any necessary medical intervention is provided promptly.
A bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia issued the order while hearing a public interest litigation seeking urgent measures to safeguard Wangchuk's health. Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi since June 28, demanding changes in the education system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
During the hearing, the court asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta whether a mechanism existed to monitor Wangchuk's health. Mehta informed the court that Wangchuk undergoes daily health check-ups. The court then directed that Wangchuk be regularly examined by government doctors and that authorities intervene whenever doctors deem medical treatment necessary.
The court recorded in its order: 'He further assures the court that depending upon the opinion of the doctors, whatever medical intervention is needed to check the deteriorating health condition of Mr. Wangchuk will also be taken.' The bench added: 'While noticing the assurances given by the Solicitor General, we only observe that the life of any citizen is precious and efforts ought to be made by the government authorities to save the same.'
The petition was filed by advocate and social activist Rakesh Kumar Saini, who argued that Wangchuk's health had deteriorated after several days of fasting and sought judicial intervention to protect his life. The petition cited a news report stating that Wangchuk had lost 8.25 kg and that another fasting student had been hospitalised.
The petition contended that the government could not remain a passive spectator and that failure to intervene could amount to 'abetment of suicide' under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. It urged authorities to provide immediate medical attention, even forcibly if necessary, and suggested shifting Wangchuk to a government hospital for a liquid diet. The court closed the PIL after noting the assurances.
