The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the government to ensure the health of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike after joining the Cockroach Janta Party protest against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Wangchuk’s fast has now entered its day 19. He is determined to continue until the government responds positively.
The high court order to the government states: "whatever medical intervention is required shall be taken."
The court further said, "The life of every citizen is precious… and all efforts must be made by authorities to save the same.”
The court was hearing the plea filed on Wednesday that warned the 59-year-old may not survive the next 48 hours if he does not break his fast. It accused the government of being "least concerned and insensitive" to the situation.
Also read: Wangchuk urges students, youth to join July 20 Parliament march
The plea was filed after reports confirmed that Wangchuk had lost nearly 9 kilos. The court, reflecting on the gravity of the situation, said, "The simple thing to be done is to 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 the human body to survive."
The plea also argued that while "holding a peaceful protest at a public place is a fundamental, democratic right of the citizens", Wangchuk's death "would be a matter of great shame for the country and the world."
During the argument, the court questioned the government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, over the lack of oversight to monitor Wangchuk's health condition.
The government said daily health check-ups are being carried out, though the doctors were not always from state-run institutions. "Sometimes it is private doctors," Mehta admitted.
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