Delhi HC Mandates Daily Medical Oversight for Fasting Activist Sonam Wangchuk

Delhi High Court Orders Daily Medical Oversight as Sonam Wangchuk’s Fast Enters Critical Phase

As activist Sonam Wangchuk enters the 20th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, his health has transitioned into a precarious state, prompting the Delhi High Court to order rigorous daily medical monitoring by government doctors. The court, led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, observed that "every life is precious," emphasizing the state's responsibility to intervene if his condition progresses toward multi-organ complications. According to reports from The Hindu and LiveLaw, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has assured the bench that the government is already overseeing his vital signs and is prepared to provide necessary interventions based on clinical assessments.

The medical situation, however, remains alarming. Dr. Satish Lamba, who has been attending to the activist, reported that Mr. Wangchuk has lost over 9 kg—bringing his weight to 56.9 kg—and is exhibiting signs of muscle breakdown and elevated uric acid levels, which are precursors to potential organ stress. Despite these warnings, Mr. Wangchuk remains resolute in his protest against alleged irregularities in national examinations, including the NEET paper leak. As highlighted by the Times of India, the activist has ruled out ending his fast without a formal government response, instead urging the public to focus on the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed march to Parliament on July 20.

• Critical Health Update: Medical bulletins indicate that while Mr. Wangchuk remains mentally alert, he has entered a "second stage" of prolonged fasting characterized by significant muscle mass loss, with doctors warning that the next phase could involve dangerous organ involvement.

• Judicial Intervention: The Delhi High Court’s directive ensures that the state cannot remain a passive observer. Government medical experts are now mandated to perform daily check-ups and act immediately if his vitals indicate an impending life-threatening crisis.

• Broadening Solidarity: The protest site has seen a surge in support, with political figures like Arvind Kejriwal and Dimple Yadav visiting Jantar Mantar, while student organizations like AISA report that several concurrent strikers are also in severe health conditions.

• Accountability Demands: The strike, which began on June 28, remains firmly rooted in the demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, following national outrage over examination integrity.

• A Call for July 20: Dismissing appeals to end his fast, Mr. Wangchuk has appealed to his supporters to join the "Chalo Sansad" (March to Parliament) in massive numbers, stating that he is determined to remain alive to see the success of this democratic expression.

As reported by The New Indian Express, the situation has become a litmus test for the government’s approach to peaceful dissent. While the court has successfully prioritized the activist's immediate safety through mandated monitoring, the underlying policy grievances remain unaddressed, setting the stage for a potentially heightened confrontation during the scheduled Parliament march this weekend.