The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought the response of the Central and Delhi governments on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking urgent medical intervention to save the life of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the education system.

The PIL was mentioned before a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia. Emphasising the urgency of the matter, the petitioner submitted that Wangchuk’s health had deteriorated significantly, arguing that he was endangering his life while exercising his fundamental rights.

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Observing that no one appeared on behalf of the Union Government, the Bench agreed to entertain the petition and listed the matter for hearing on July 16. The Court directed that copies of the petition and its order be served upon the Additional Solicitor General representing the Union Government and the Standing Counsel for the Government of NCT of Delhi.

The petition seeks directions to the Centre and the Delhi Government to immediately shift Wangchuk to a government hospital and provide medical treatment, including force-feeding, to preserve his life. According to the plea, Wangchuk has lost approximately 8.5 kilograms since commencing his hunger strike on June 28, and his condition has become critical.