Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has declared his unwavering commitment to join a planned march to Parliament on July 20, even as medical professionals warn his health has reached a critical stage. Wangchuk, currently on an indefinite hunger strike in Delhi's Jantar Mantar, expressed his resolve with a defiant and light-hearted promise: "I will stay alive by any means until July 20 so that I can march to Parliament with all of you. And if our march doesn't succeed on July 20, then I'll come back as a ghost!" he told his supporters.
His hunger strike is in protest of issues surrounding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and broader environmental concerns. His deteriorating condition has prompted over 1,800 civil society members, including prominent academics, artists, and activists like Naseeruddin Shah, Arundhati Roy, and Jean Drèze, to appeal for him to end his fast and continue his advocacy through other non-violent means.
High Court Directs Daily Medical Monitoring
Responding to growing concerns, the Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a directive to the Centre, mandating daily medical examinations for Sonam Wangchuk by government doctors. The court emphasized that timely medical intervention must be provided if his condition worsens. A bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia underscored the preciousness of every citizen's life, stating that authorities must exert all possible efforts to protect it.
The court's decision came during a hearing on a plea seeking Wangchuk's hospitalization and urgent medical care. The petitioner highlighted that the activist has reportedly lost approximately 8.5 kg during his prolonged fast, raising serious alarms about the potential risk to his life should the hunger strike continue.