A public interest litigation (PIL) has been moved before the Delhi High Court seeking immediate medical intervention for environmentalist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in support of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)’s protest over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
According to a report by LiveLaw, the petition has been filed by advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini and urges the Centre and the Delhi government to ensure Wangchuk receives urgent medical treatment to safeguard his health.
PIL seeks hospitalisation and medical treatment
The petition requests the court to direct authorities to shift Wangchuk to a government hospital and provide him with appropriate medical care.
It also seeks directions to force-feed a liquid diet containing essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals if doctors consider it necessary to preserve his life.
The matter is scheduled to be heard on Wednesday by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia.
Protest enters 25th day
The Cockroach Janata Party’s protest over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination irregularities entered its 25th day on Wednesday, while Wangchuk’s indefinite fast reached its 18th day.
The organisation has announced a “Chalo Sansad” march on July 20, coinciding with the start of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. It has also launched a missed-call campaign inviting supporters to register for the march.
CJP’s demands
The CJP is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
The party has also sought ₹1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the reported NEET paper leak earlier this year.
The NEET examination was subsequently re-conducted.
Health updates on Wangchuk
The 59-year-old activist joined the protest on June 28 and has been fasting since then.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has been sharing regular updates on Wangchuk’s health through social media.
In his latest update, Dipke claimed Wangchuk had lost more than 8.4 kilograms since beginning the fast, had started losing muscle mass and was experiencing severe physical discomfort. He also said Wangchuk’s blood pressure had dropped to 109/70.
Quoting the activist, Dipke wrote that despite repeated requests from supporters to end the fast, Wangchuk remained firm in his decision.
According to the post, Wangchuk said people should ask the government why it was unwilling to engage in dialogue rather than asking him to call off his hunger strike.
Political support grows
Several opposition leaders have extended support to Wangchuk and the CJP’s campaign.
Among those who have backed the protest are Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, and Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal, who have voiced support for the demands raised over the alleged examination irregularities.
The Delhi High Court’s hearing on the PIL is expected to determine whether authorities will be directed to intervene medically while Wangchuk continues his indefinite fast.
