The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought responses from the Union Government and the Delhi Government on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking immediate medical intervention for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since June 28.
A Division Bench of Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Karia issued notices to the respondents after hearing preliminary submissions and listed the matter for further hearing on Thursday.
Court takes up plea citing urgent health concerns
The PIL was heard after petitioner Rakesh Kumar Saini, appearing virtually as petitioner-in-person, requested urgent consideration of the matter, citing Wangchuk’s deteriorating health.
During the hearing, Saini submitted that Wangchuk’s prolonged hunger strike had significantly affected his health and that immediate judicial intervention was necessary to safeguard his life.
Taking note of the urgency, the Bench directed the Union Government and the Delhi Government to clarify their stand on the issues raised in the petition before the next hearing.
No government counsel present during hearing
The Delhi High Court noted that no counsel appeared on behalf of the respondents during Wednesday’s proceedings.
The Bench recorded that lawyers of the Delhi High Court were abstaining from work following a call by the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) to boycott court proceedings in protest against the proposed enhancement of the pecuniary jurisdiction of district courts.
As a result, no law officers or government counsel were available to assist the court during the hearing.
PIL seeks immediate medical treatment and dialogue
The petition seeks directions to the Union Government and the Delhi Government to provide immediate medical treatment and life-saving intervention to Wangchuk.
It also requests the court to direct the authorities to initiate dialogue with the activist regarding the issues raised during his ongoing protest.
Additionally, the petitioner has sought directions to ensure that all necessary medical support, including emergency treatment and nutritional assistance, is made available to prevent any further deterioration in Wangchuk’s condition.
Petition highlights declining health
According to the PIL, Wangchuk has reportedly lost around 8.25 kilograms since beginning his indefinite hunger strike on June 28.
The petition states that he has been experiencing repeated episodes of low blood sugar, dizziness, severe weakness and muscle loss.
Referring to reports about his medical condition, the petitioner argued that the authorities cannot remain passive when the life of a citizen is allegedly at imminent risk.
Plea cites constitutional obligation of the State
The petition contends that while a peaceful hunger strike is a constitutionally protected form of democratic protest, the State also has a constitutional duty to protect the life and health of every citizen.
The petitioner has argued that timely medical intervention is necessary to prevent avoidable loss of life and has urged the High Court to issue appropriate directions to the concerned authorities.
The matter will now be taken up by the Delhi High Court on Thursday after the Union Government and the Delhi Government file their responses to the petition.
(With inputs from ANI)
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