15 July,2026 11:16 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Sonam Wangchuk. Pic/PTI
A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Delhi High Court seeking urgent medical intervention for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since June 28.
The petitioner has urged the court to direct the Union Government and the Delhi Government to ensure immediate medical treatment for Wangchuk, initiate dialogue over the issues raised during his protest and take all necessary steps to safeguard his life.
The matter is expected to be mentioned for urgent listing on Tuesday, although it remains uncertain whether it will be heard the same day in view of the Delhi High Court Bar Association's call for abstention from work.
The petition has been filed by advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini, who has sought immediate judicial intervention, citing Wangchuk's deteriorating health after more than two weeks of fasting.
According to the plea, Wangchuk has lost approximately 8.5 kg since beginning his hunger strike and is experiencing repeated episodes of low blood sugar, dizziness, severe muscle loss and physical weakness.
Referring to a newspaper report published on July 14, the petition states that his condition has worsened significantly and that continued fasting could pose a serious threat to his life.
The petitioner argued that the State has a constitutional obligation to protect the life and health of every citizen, even when an individual is participating in a peaceful protest.
According to the petition, the authorities have not initiated any meaningful dialogue with Wangchuk despite the prolonged hunger strike.
The plea further states that allowing a citizen's health to deteriorate without intervention would amount to a failure of the government's constitutional and public responsibilities.
According to reports cited in the petition, the petitioner stated, "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 human body to survive."
Apart from medical treatment, the PIL also seeks directions to the Union Government and the Delhi Government to initiate discussions with Wangchuk regarding the issues raised during his protest.
The petitioner argued that while peaceful demonstrations and hunger strikes are protected democratic rights, the government should engage with protesters instead of remaining passive when their health is at serious risk.
The plea also requests that, if necessary, Wangchuk be administered essential liquid nutrition, proteins, vitamins and other medical support to prevent further deterioration in his condition.
The PIL also refers to provisions relating to the abetment of suicide under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), arguing that the authorities cannot remain passive spectators when a person's life is allegedly in imminent danger.
The petitioner has sought directions requiring the respondents to provide immediate medical care and any other relief that the Delhi High Court may consider appropriate in the interest of justice.
Although the petitioner has sought urgent listing of the matter, it remains uncertain whether the case will be heard on Tuesday.
The Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) has called for abstention from work on July 15 to protest the proposed increase in the pecuniary jurisdiction of district courts from Rs 2 crore to Rs 10 crore.
The association has requested its members not to appear before any bench of the Delhi High Court, either physically or virtually. It has also announced that bar rooms, the cafeteria and other facilities would remain closed during the protest, which could affect court proceedings, including the hearing of urgent matters.
(With inputs from ANI)
