The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Union Government and the Delhi Government to ensure that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since June 28, is subjected to daily clinical and medical monitoring by government doctors.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia also recorded the Centre’s assurance that appropriate medical intervention would be provided without delay if his health deteriorates, observing that the life of every citizen is precious and that the State has a constitutional obligation to make every effort to protect it.
The Court passed the directions while disposing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini, who sought urgent judicial intervention over Wangchuk’s deteriorating health during his prolonged fast.
The petition contended that Wangchuk had been on a continuous hunger strike for nearly 17-18 days and that his health had significantly deteriorated. It sought directions to the Union Government and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi to provide immediate medical treatment, ensure regular health monitoring, initiate dialogue with the activist and, if necessary, shift him to a government hospital for life-saving medical care, including administration of essential nutrients through a liquid diet under medical supervision. The plea further argued that governmental inaction despite knowledge of his worsening condition could amount to abetment of suicide under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
During the hearing, the Bench sought clarification from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for both the Union Government and the Delhi Government, regarding the mechanism in place to monitor Wangchuk’s health. Mehta informed the Court that government doctors and medical experts were already conducting regular health examinations whenever Wangchuk permitted them and that his medical parameters were being monitored on a daily basis. He further assured the Court that, if required, additional medical teams would also be deputed and that any treatment considered necessary by the attending doctors would be promptly provided.
Taking note of the assurance, the High Court directed that Wangchuk’s health shall continue to be clinically monitored every day by government doctors and medical experts. It further directed that any medical intervention considered necessary on the basis of professional medical opinion should be undertaken immediately to prevent further deterioration in his condition. The Bench observed that every citizen’s life deserves protection and appreciated the assurance extended by the Solicitor General regarding continuous medical supervision.
In view of the assurances furnished on behalf of the Centre and the Delhi Government, the Court disposed of the PIL while directing the authorities to maintain daily medical surveillance and provide all necessary healthcare measures whenever medically warranted.
Wangchuk, an engineer, education reformer and climate activist from Ladakh, has been observing an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar as part of an ongoing protest concerning issues relating to the country’s education system, including alleged examination irregularities, and demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has continued for more than two weeks amid growing concerns over the activist’s health. According to reports placed before the Court, Wangchuk has suffered considerable weight loss and declining health during the course of the fast, prompting the PIL seeking judicial intervention to safeguard his right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
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