Delhi HC seeks Centre's response on PIL seeking urgent medical aid for Sonam Wangchuk

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought responses from the Union Government and the Delhi Government on a public interest litigation PIL seeking immediate medical intervention for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since June 28A Division Bench of Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Karia issued notices to the respondents after hearing preliminary submissions and listed the matter for further hearing on ThursdayCourt takes up plea citing urgent health concernsThe PIL was heard after petitioner Rakesh Kumar Saini appearing virtually as petitionerinperson requested urgent consideration of the matter citing Wangchuks deteriorating healthDuring the hearing Saini submitted that Wangchuks prolonged hunger strike had significantly affected his health and that immediate judicial intervention was necessary to safeguard his lifeTaking note of the urgency the Bench directed the Union Government and the Delhi Government to clarify their stand on the issues raised in the petition before the next hearingNo government counsel present during hearingThe Delhi High Court noted that no counsel appeared on behalf of the respondents during Wednesdays proceedingsThe Bench recorded that lawyers of the Delhi High Court were abstaining from work following a call by the Delhi High Court Bar Association DHCBA to boycott court proceedings in protest against the proposed enhancement of the pecuniary jurisdiction of district courtsAs a result no law officers or government counsel were available to assist the court during the hearingPIL seeks immediate medical treatment and dialogueThe petition seeks directions to the Union Government and the Delhi Government to provide immediate medical treatment and lifesaving intervention to WangchukIt also requests the court to direct the authorities to initiate dialogue with the activist regarding the issues raised during his ongoing protestAdditionally the petitioner has sought directions to ensure that all necessary medical support including emergency treatment and nutritional assistance is made available to prevent any further deterioration in Wangchuks conditionPetition highlights declining healthAccording to the PIL Wangchuk has reportedly lost around 825 kilograms since beginning his indefinite hunger strike on June 28The petition states that he has been experiencing repeated episodes of low blood sugar dizziness severe weakness and muscle lossReferring to reports about his medical condition the petitioner argued that the authorities cannot remain passive when the life of a citizen is allegedly at imminent riskPlea cites constitutional obligation of the StateThe petition contends that while a peaceful hunger strike is a constitutionally protected form of democratic protest the State also has a constitutional duty to protect the life and health of every citizenThe petitioner has argued that timely medical intervention is necessary to prevent avoidable loss of life and has urged the High Court to issue appropriate directions to the concerned authoritiesThe matter will now be taken up by the Delhi High Court on Thursday after the Union Government and the Delhi Government file their responses to the petitionWith inputs from ANI