Shocking: 18-Day Sonam Wangchuk Fast Reaches Delhi HC

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court is set to hear an urgent public interest litigation (PIL) concerning environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike, which has entered its 18th day. The petition warns that the activist’s health has deteriorated significantly and claims he may not survive for more than two days if his indefinite fast continues without medical intervention.

The PIL was filed by advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini, who urged the court to direct authorities to shift Wangchuk to a government hospital and provide immediate medical care, including force-feeding through a liquid diet containing essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals if necessary.

Delhi High Court to Hear Matter

A bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia agreed to hear the matter on the following day after no representative of the Union Government appeared in court due to the ongoing work abstention by the Delhi High Court Bar Association.

The bench stated that the petition would be taken up urgently and instructed the registry to immediately communicate the court’s order to the concerned authorities so that they could seek necessary instructions before the next hearing.

Petition Raises Serious Health Concerns

According to the petition, the 59-year-old Sonam Wangchuk has already lost approximately 8.5 kilograms since beginning his indefinite hunger strike on June 28.

The petitioner argued that allowing the activist’s health to deteriorate further would be unacceptable and requested immediate intervention by the authorities to preserve his life.

Protest Linked to NEET Issue

Wangchuk launched the hunger strike after joining demonstrations organised by the Cockroach Janta Party, a youth-led political platform. The protest demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

The petition emphasized that peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right guaranteed to every citizen under the Constitution.

Government’s Response Questioned

The PIL strongly criticized both the Central Government and the Delhi Government, alleging that they had shown little concern over Wangchuk’s worsening health condition.

It further claimed that treating the activist with indifference despite his peaceful protest was unjustified. The petitioner argued that if the government failed to act and Wangchuk lost his life, it could amount to a serious failure of constitutional responsibility and even “abetment of suicide.”

The plea also stated that courts should not permit a citizen to voluntarily die of hunger while highlighting an issue of national importance related to education and the interests of millions of students.

Hearing Expected Soon

The Delhi High Court is expected to hear the matter on its next scheduled date, where the Union Government is likely to present its response. The outcome of the hearing could determine whether immediate medical intervention is ordered while Wangchuk continues his protest.

As the activist’s health remains a matter of growing concern, the case has drawn nationwide attention and is likely to remain closely watched in the coming days.