Daily Medical Check-ups for Fasting Activist Sonam Wangchuk, Orders Delhi HC
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Delhi High Court has directed both the Central and Delhi governments to ensure daily medical monitoring of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.
Hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that raised alarms over Wangchuk’s deteriorating physical condition, a bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia emphasized that the life of every citizen is invaluable. The court ruled that authorities must remain vigilant and provide immediate medical intervention the moment it becomes necessary. Neither the Centre nor the Delhi government opposed the directive, a cooperative stance that the bench noted with appreciation before formalizing the order.
Medical Update: Day 19 of the Fast
Medical professionals monitoring Wangchuk note that while the activist has grown physically frail after nearly three weeks without food, he remains mentally sharp and alert.
According to his latest health metrics:
- Weight: 57.15 kg (reflecting a total loss of roughly 8.9 kg)
- Blood Pressure: 105/76 mmHg
- Blood Sugar: 80 mg/dL
- Oxygen Saturation: 97%
- Cardiac Health: His recent ECG report returned normal results.
Though doctors maintain continuous observation, Wangchuk released a video message assuring supporters that his heart remains strong and he is stable enough to press forward.
“Ending this protest without a concrete response from the government would send the wrong signal,” Wangchuk said, marking the 19th day of a strike that began on June 28 to draw national attention to the constitutional and environmental concerns of Ladakh.
Political Backing and 'Chalo Sansad' Call
The legal intervention arrives just as Wangchuk escalates the demonstration. He has called for a massive 'Chalo Sansad' (March to Parliament) on July 20, urging citizens, students, and educators from across India to converge in the capital. Furthermore, he has requested educational institutions to mark July 20 as 'Experiential Education Day' to give the youth a firsthand lesson in democratic participation.
Organizers report that a dedicated missed-call campaign backing the march has already crossed 130,000 sign-ups.
The protest has also become a rallying point for the political opposition. A delegation of lawmakers including Bhim Army chief and MP Chandrashekhar Azad, alongside representatives from the Congress, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress, and CPI visited Jantar Mantar to pledge solidarity. These leaders confirmed they intend to formally raise Ladakh's grievances during the July 19 all-party meeting and throughout the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.
