The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought responses from the Central Government and the Delhi Government on a petition concerning environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk’s ongoing indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. The court has scheduled the matter for further hearing on July 16.

The petition, filed by advocate and activist Rakesh Kumar Saini, urges the authorities to intervene immediately to protect Wangchuk’s life, including shifting him to a government hospital and providing necessary medical treatment.

Petition seeks urgent medical intervention

According to the plea, Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike has entered its 18th day, with his health reportedly deteriorating significantly.

The petitioner claimed that Wangchuk had lost 8.25 kilograms during the fast and warned that his condition could become life-threatening without immediate medical intervention.

The petition has sought directions to the authorities to ensure appropriate medical care, including hospitalisation if necessary.

Government accused of inaction

The petition alleged that both the Centre and the Delhi Government had failed to act despite Wangchuk’s worsening health. It argued that allowing his condition to deteriorate without intervention would amount to a violation of the government’s constitutional duty to protect life.

The plea also referred to provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to abetment of suicide, contending that authorities cannot remain passive when a person’s life is at immediate risk.

Hunger strike linked to education reform protest

Wangchuk joined the indefinite hunger strike on June 28 in support of a protest organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), an online satirical movement demanding education reforms.

The protest is centred on demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, which was cancelled earlier following a reported question paper leak.

The Delhi High Court is expected to hear the matter again after receiving responses from the Centre and the Delhi Government.