A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking urgent medical intervention for climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk is set to be heard by the Delhi High Court as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 18th day on Tuesday. The petition, filed by activist-lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini, raises concerns over Wangchuk's deteriorating health and urges immediate medical attention.
Wangchuk began his indefinite fast on June 28 at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding constitutional safeguards and stronger environmental protection for Ladakh. His protest is also being held in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement, which is spearheading demonstrations seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged failures in India's education system.
According to the PIL, Wangchuk has lost nearly 8.5 kilograms since the beginning of his fast, with his health reportedly worsening significantly. The plea states that his prolonged hunger strike has resulted in visible physical deterioration and warns that any further decline could have serious consequences. It further argues that if Wangchuk were to lose his life during the protest, it would amount to a national tragedy and could raise serious concerns both within the country and internationally.
The CJP-led campaign alleges systemic failures in the education sector, citing repeated examination paper leaks, including the NEET controversy, and accusing the government of failing to ensure transparency, accountability and justice for students and young aspirants.
Providing an update on Wangchuk's condition, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the activist has started losing muscle mass and is experiencing increasing physical weakness due to the prolonged fast. Despite repeated appeals from political leaders, civil society groups and supporters to end his hunger strike, Wangchuk has continued with the protest.
The petition also questions the measures taken to monitor Wangchuk's health during the ongoing fast. As of now, the Central government has not publicly responded to the concerns raised in the plea. The High Court hearing is expected to focus on whether immediate medical intervention is required while balancing the activist's right to continue his peaceful protest.
