Wangchuk weak, Delhi HC orders monitoring
Delhi High Court monitoring of Sonam Wangchuk’s health follows a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar and parallel student protest action.
- Sonam Wangchuk is fasting at Jantar Mantar to press for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over problems in the education system.
- A petition before the Delhi High Court sought urgent intervention to protect Sonam Wangchuk’s health and save his life if necessary.
- Three student supporters from the All India Students’ Association were reported to be in a critical condition during a parallel hunger strike.
The Delhi High Court has been moved to urgently monitor the health of activist Sonam Wangchuk as his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar continues. The matter is significant because protest fasts can quickly become a matter of Article 21 concern when life and bodily integrity are at risk.
The petition asked for urgent intervention to protect Wangchuk’s health, including action if necessary to save his life. Wangchuk is fasting to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over problems in India’s education system.
Three student supporters from All India Students’ Association (AISA) were in a critical condition during a parallel hunger strike. The reported medical concerns include dehydration risk, low blood sugar, and substantial weight loss.
UPSC can frame this as a question on the constitutional protection of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, the limits of protest action, and the role of courts when a protest turns into a medical emergency. A mains answer can also discuss how democratic dissent, public order, and state responsibility to preserve life and dignity must be balanced.
