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The Delhi High Court has sought answers from the Center and the Delhi government while hearing the 18-day-long hunger strike of social activist Sonam Wangchuk immediately. The court expressed concern over his health condition and sought clarification from the government regarding medical facilities.

New Delhi: In view of the continuously deteriorating health condition of social activist and education reform supporter Sonam Wangchuk, the Delhi High Court has quickly intervened in the matter. The court on Wednesday termed the matter as extremely important and directed the Central Government and the Delhi Government to file a detailed reply by Thursday morning.

Wangchuk has been on hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for the last 18 days. He says that his movement is linked to the demand to ensure transparency and accountability in the examination system at the national level. Due to continuous fasting, his weight has reduced significantly and health experts are constantly monitoring his condition.

High Court took cognizance after PIL

A PIL filed in the Delhi High Court had demanded that immediate medical care, essential nutrition and emergency treatment be provided to Sonam Wangchuk. The petition also said that it is the constitutional responsibility of the government to ensure the safety of life of any citizen. During the hearing, the court acknowledged that the matter is extremely sensitive and delay in it would not be appropriate. The court directed the Center and the Delhi government to explain their stand on Wangchuk’s current health condition and the medical facilities being provided to him.

Health condition is continuously deteriorating

According to the information, after the hunger strike that started from June 28, Sonam Wangchuk’s weight has reduced by about 8.5 kg. His regular health check-up is being done under medical supervision. According to the medical team, he is facing problems like weakness, low blood sugar, dizziness and muscle weakness. His blood pressure has also been recorded below normal levels. Health experts believe that not taking food for a long time can have serious effects on the vital organs of the body. Therefore, timely proper medical intervention is necessary.

The petition demands immediate medical assistance from the government.

The PIL states that the government should not be limited to just maintaining law and order, but it is also its responsibility to protect the lives of citizens. The petitioner urged the court that the government should provide life-saving treatment, essential nutrition and expert medical care to Sonam Wangchuk. Along with this, a demand has also been made to start dialogue on issues to the movement, so that a peaceful solution to the situation can be found.

Protest continues at Jantar Mantar

The movement that Sonam Wangchuk has become a part of is said to be to the protest against alleged irregularities and paper leaks in the examination system at the national level. The agitators are demanding to ensure transparency and accountability in the education system. The protest is going on at Jantar Mantar and representatives of various social organizations are also reaching there from time to time to express their support. The agitators say that they want to convey their demands to the government in a peaceful manner.

Wangchuk’s old association with movements

Sonam Wangchuk has already agitated on many social and environmental issues. He also campaigned for a long time on administrative and constitutional issues to Ladakh. He believes that in a democratic system, peaceful protest is the right of citizens and the government should adopt a sensitive attitude towards such movements.

Tradition of hunger strike and democratic protest

Hunger strikes have long been a medium of democratic protest in India. Many social workers, including Mahatma Gandhi and Irom Sharmila, resorted to fasting as a non-violent movement on various issues. Experts say a prolonged hunger strike can pose serious risks to health. In such cases, the role of government and medical institutions becomes important so that any unpleasant situation can be avoided.

Now keep an eye on the next instructions of the court

After Delhi High Court sought answers from the Center and Delhi Government, now all eyes are on the next hearing. The court can decide further action based on the government’s response and medical report. Meanwhile, the medical team at Jantar Mantar is continuously monitoring Sonam Wangchuk’s health condition. The agitators are also reiterating their demand to start talks with the government and find a solution.