New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (July 15) sought responses from the Centre and the Delhi government on a petition filed regarding the ongoing
hunger strike of Sonam Wangchuk during the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP's) protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The court has now listed the matter for hearing on Thursday (July 16). The plea, filed by activist lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini, is seeking directions to force-feed Wangchuk to save his life as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 18th day. The plea also seeks directions to the Centre and the Delhi government to immediately shift Wangchuk to a government hospital amid rising concerns over his deteriorating health at the protest site. Initially, it was listed for hearing on Wednesday.. As per the petition, the environmental activist's health deteriorated significantly during his hunger strike, and he might lose his life within two days. "Wangchuk's health deteriorated day by day, and his weight dropped by 8.25 kg, and if it continues, he could even lose his life within two days," advocate Saini said in the petition. The petition also slammed the Centre and the Delhi government for not doing anything to end Wangchuk's hunger-strike. He alleged that the government is treating Wangchuk like a terrorist. "The government is treating him like he is a hardcore criminal, terrorist or traitor to the nation. The government seems to be so epathy to the situation," the petition read. The petition also alleged that permitting Wangchuk's health to worsen without timely intervention would constitute a serious breach of the government's constitutional obligations and duty to safeguard life. It further cites provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to abetment of suicide, arguing that the authorities cannot remain mere spectators when an individual's life is at immediate risk. Wangchuk joined the indefinite hunger strike on June 28, lending support to the protest launched by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), an online satirical movement demanding education reforms. The protest is centred around the demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination after the medical entrance test was cancelled in early May following a paper leak.
