The plea alleged that the government was treating Wangchuk ‘like a hardcore criminal, terrorist or traitor to the nation’
NEW DELHI: A plea has been filed before the Delhi high court seeking to force-feed activist Sonam Wangchuk as his hunger strike entered its 18th day. It seeks urgent directions to the Centre and the Delhi government to shift the activist to a government hospital as concerns grow over his deteriorating health during an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.The petition, filed by activist lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini, comes as organisers claim that Sonam Wangchuk has lost around 8.5 kg.According to the petition, Wangchuk’s condition has worsened significantly, and he could lose his life within two days if the hunger strike continues. It urged the court to intervene immediately, arguing that saving his life is of paramount importance.”If he passes away, it would be a matter of great shame for the country and the world,” the plea stated.The PIL accused the government of failing in its duty of care towards the activist. It alleged that the government was treating Wangchuk “like a hardcore criminal, terrorist or traitor to the nation” and was “not at all concerned about him”. The petition argued that the authorities should ensure he receives medical care, even against his wishes if necessary.”The simple thing to be done is to take him to a government hospital and force feed him the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals by way of a liquid diet which are necessary for the human body to survive,” it said. The petition contends that although peaceful protest and hunger strikes are democratic rights, the State has a constitutional duty to protect the life and health of every citizen.It further argues that allowing Wangchuk’s condition to deteriorate without intervention would amount to a failure of the government’s constitutional and public responsibilities. Referring to provisions on abetment of suicide under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the plea submits that authorities cannot remain passive when a person’s life is in imminent danger.The PIL has been filed with a request for urgent listing, which could have led to the matter being heard by the Delhi High Court on Tuesday. However, it remains uncertain whether the case will be taken up after the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) called for an abstention from work on July 15 in protest against the proposed enhancement of the pecuniary jurisdiction, the monetary limit on cases that district courts can hear, from Rs 2 crore to Rs 10 crore.Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 after joining protests organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar. The campaign is demanding the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in NEET and other competitive examinations.Organisers said Wangchuk has lost around 8.5 kg since beginning the fast, fuelling concerns over his health.Several Opposition leaders have also urged Wangchuk to call off his hunger strike while backing the issues he has raised. Earlier, author Arundhati Roy, actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, and economist Jayati Ghosh appealed to him to end the hunger strike while expressing support for his demands.
