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New Delhi | The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed authorities to monitor on a daily basis the health of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar here, and extend medical aid if needed.

A bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia asserted that life was precious and said Wangchuk's condition should be regularly checked by government doctors.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the Centre as well as the Delhi government, submitted that life of every individual was precious and there was no objection to undertaking Wangchuk's regular medical checkup.

"We observe that life of any citizen is precious and all efforts ought to be made by government authorities to save the same," the court said.

"We appreciate the stand taken by the Solicitor General and direct that Wangchuk's medical condition shall be monitored on a daily basis and whatever medical intervention is required shall be taken," it ordered.

The court passed the order on a PIL raising concern over Wangchuk's health.

The Cockroach Janta Party has been holding a protest for over 25 days demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

Wangchuk joined the agitation on June 28 and has been on an indefinite fast since then.

Sonam Wangchuk loses over 9 kg after 19 days of hunger strike

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar for the past 19 days, has lost more than nine kg, according to the latest health bulletin issued by his doctor on Thursday.

Dr Satish Lamba, senior general physician monitoring Wangchuk's health, said the activist has lost more than nine kg since beginning his fast.

He said Wangchuk's blood sugar level was 80 milligrams per decilitre while his pulse rate was 72 beats per minute.

Wangchuk joined the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar on June 28 against alleged examination irregularities and has been on an indefinite hunger strike since then.

His blood pressure was recorded at 105/61 mmHg while lying down and 101/65 mmHg while sitting, Lamba said.

The doctor said Wangchuk's hydration was fair and he remained mentally alert despite the prolonged fast.

The CJP began their first demonstration in the national capital on June 6, which later evolved into an ongoing indefinite sit-in protest on June 20, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The party's protest entered its 27th day on Thursday.