DELHI HIGH COURT DIRECTS CENTRE TO MONITOR SONAM WANGCHUK'S HEALTH, OBSERVES THAT EVERY EFFORT MUST BE MADE TO PRESERVE LIFE:

The Delhi High Court has directed the authorities to undertake daily medical monitoring of environmental activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, who has been observing an indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Stressing that the preservation of human life is of paramount importance, the Court ordered that Wangchuk's health be regularly assessed by government medical professionals and that any necessary medical intervention be provided without delay. The directions were issued while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) expressing concern over Wangchuk's deteriorating health during his prolonged hunger strike.

The matter was heard by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia. During the proceedings, the Bench emphasized that every citizen's life is valuable and that the State has a corresponding obligation to take all reasonable measures to safeguard it. The Court observed that, irrespective of the circumstances under which an individual chooses to undertake a hunger strike or protest, the authorities cannot remain indifferent to the individual's health and well-being. Recognising this responsibility, the Bench held that continuous medical supervision was necessary to ensure that Wangchuk received timely treatment should his condition deteriorate during the course of his fast.

Appearing for both the Union Government and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Court that the authorities fully acknowledged the importance of protecting every individual's life and had no objection to ensuring regular medical examination of Wangchuk. He conveyed that the government was prepared to facilitate periodic health assessments and extend all necessary medical assistance whenever required. Taking note of this stand, the Court welcomed the assurance given on behalf of the authorities and observed that it reflected the government's commitment to preserving life and protecting the health of persons participating in public demonstrations.

In view of the submissions made before it, the High Court directed that Wangchuk's medical condition be monitored on a daily basis by government doctors and that appropriate medical treatment be administered whenever found necessary. The Court underscored that the objective of its directions was not to interfere with the ongoing protest but to ensure that the constitutional value attached to the protection of life remained paramount throughout the course of the agitation. Accordingly, it directed the concerned authorities to maintain continuous oversight of Wangchuk's health and to take prompt medical measures whenever warranted by his condition.

The PIL had been instituted in light of concerns over Wangchuk's prolonged fast and its potential impact on his health. Wangchuk joined an ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar on 28 June and has since been observing an indefinite hunger strike. The demonstration, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party, has continued for more than twenty-five days and seeks the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process. While the Court did not express any opinion on the merits of the protest or the demands raised by the demonstrators, it considered the issue of Wangchuk's health to be one of immediate public importance and confined its directions to ensuring that adequate medical supervision and care are made available throughout the duration of his fast.