Delhi High Court Urged to Provide Medical Aid to Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk

A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking immediate medical assistance for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk is currently on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in support of the 'Cockroach People’s Party' (CJP), protesting against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. According to a report from Live Law, lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini submitted this petition, requesting that both the central and Delhi governments ensure Wangchuk is transferred to a government hospital for treatment. The petition also demands that if necessary, he should be forcibly provided with a liquid diet to save his life. As of Wednesday, the CJP protest has entered its 25th day, while Wangchuk's hunger strike has reached its 18th day.

The organization has announced plans for a 'March to Parliament' on the first day of the monsoon session, July 20, and is urging supporters to register through a missed call campaign. Although the petition was listed before the division bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Karia on Wednesday, it has been postponed to Thursday due to the lawyers' absence. The petition specifically requests that authorities be directed to 'take him to a government hospital and provide essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals through a liquid diet, which are crucial for human survival, while ensuring Wangchuk's health and safety.'

Sonam Wangchuk, a 59-year-old educator and climate activist, joined the CJP protest on June 28 and has been on an indefinite hunger strike since then. The CJP is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and ₹1 crore in compensation for the families of students who allegedly committed suicide following the NEET paper leak in May. Abhijit Dipke, the founder of CJP, has been providing regular updates on Wangchuk's health. In a recent update on Tuesday, he reported that the activist has lost over 8.4 kilograms since starting the fast, his muscle mass is decreasing, and his blood pressure has dropped to 109/70. Dipke shared on social media about Wangchuk's condition, stating, 'His muscles are deteriorating, and he is experiencing significant pain. Like everyone else, I have urged him to end his fast.'