The government told the Delhi High Court on Thursday that it can provide medical assistance to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk based on the assessment of doctors who examined him. The remarks came as the court took up a petition seeking urgent medical intervention for Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar for more than two weeks.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court ordered the government to monitor Sonam Wangchuk’s health on a daily basis and decide on the medical intervention required accordingly. Follow live updates on Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike here.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, assured the court that Wangchuk’s health would be monitored daily by government doctors and medical experts, and any medical intervention deemed necessary, based on their assessment of his deteriorating condition, would be carried out immediately.
“Any medical assistance required based on the doctor’s report can be provided,” said Mehta, the government advisor. LiveLaw a report.
These statements and assurances submitted to the court come as the government’s first reaction amid calls for Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike. Many opposition leaders, celebrities and influencers have so far expressed their support for Wangchuk and urged the government to engage in dialogue.
“Life is precious”
During today’s hearing, a bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia emphasized that the life of every citizen is precious and directed the government to ensure that doctors check Sonam Wangchuk’s health daily.
“We note that the life of any citizen is precious and government authorities must make every effort to save it,” the court said.
“We appreciate the position taken by the Public Prosecutor and direct that Wangchuk’s medical condition be monitored on a daily basis and any medical intervention required be taken.”
Read also: Indian diaspora group in US asks PM Modi to speak to Sonam Wangchuk: ‘Failures must be answered’
These remarks were made based on a plea raising concern about Wangchuk’s health. The petition had called for Sonam Wangchuk to be hospitalized, switched to a liquid diet and force-feeding if necessary. “If he dies, it will be a great shame for the country and the world,” the appeal said.
Why did Sonam Wangchuk go on hunger strike?
Sonam Wangchuk has been on hunger strike since June 28, and the unrest entered its 19th day on Thursday. This is part of a protest organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the examination system and NEET-UG paper leak in May this year.
On Wednesday, Wangchuk residents urged him to end the hunger strike in support of the Sansad Chalo action scheduled for July 20. He said that despite his weakness, his medical reports are normal and he can go without food for several more days.
Read also: “Not in good shape but…”: Sonam Wangchuk refuses to finish quickly, calls for a parliamentary march
Wangchuk has received tremendous support over the past few days from opposition leaders, journalists, civil society members, celebrities, influencers and activists alike.
