Activist Sonam Wangchuk, currently on the 19th day of an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, has received an assurance from the Centre regarding medical intervention. This development follows a directive from the Delhi High Court, which is hearing a plea concerning Wangchuk's deteriorating health.
Delhi High Court Directs Medical Monitoring
During a hearing, a Division Bench of the Delhi High Court, comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, instructed the Centre to ensure daily clinical monitoring of Wangchuk's health. The court emphasized the preciousness of every citizen's life and mandated that necessary steps, including medication, be taken based on doctors' reports.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, assured the court that all required assistance and intervention, as advised by monitoring doctors, would be provided in response to Wangchuk's condition.
Wangchuk's Health and Protest Demands
Dr. Satish Lamba, a senior general physician monitoring Wangchuk, reported that the 59-year-old activist has lost over 9 kg in 19 days, with his weight now at 57.15 kg. While Wangchuk remains conscious and mentally alert, doctors stress the need for continuous monitoring due to his declining health parameters, including blood pressure of 105/61 mmHg and blood sugar of 80 mg/dL.
Wangchuk's hunger strike is part of a broader protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. In a recent video message, Wangchuk urged supporters to join a planned “Chalo Sansad” march to Parliament on July 20, rather than asking him to end his fast.
Wider Support and Other Protesters
The protest has garnered significant support from various political figures and public personalities. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Uddhav Thackeray, Arvind Kejriwal, and actor Zeenat Aman are among those who have appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast or called for dialogue. Additionally, over 1,800 artists, academics, writers, and social activists have backed the protesters' demands.
Several other individuals are also on fast at Jantar Mantar, including AISA leaders Neha, Manish, and Aameen, who have also experienced significant weight loss and low blood sugar. Some student leaders from JNU and Delhi University involved in the protest have reportedly been hospitalized.
The hunger strike, initiated on June 19 by CJP, an online satirical collective led by Abhijeet Dipke, continues to draw attention to the demands for accountability regarding the NEET examination.