PIL in Delhi HC seeks force-feeding, medical aid for Sonam Wangchuk amid hunger strike

A public interest litigation PIL has been filed before the Delhi High Court seeking urgent medical intervention for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since June 28The petitioner has urged the court to direct the Union Government and the Delhi Government to ensure immediate medical treatment for Wangchuk initiate dialogue over the issues raised during his protest and take all necessary steps to safeguard his lifeThe matter is expected to be mentioned for urgent listing on Tuesday although it remains uncertain whether it will be heard the same day in view of the Delhi High Court Bar Associations call for abstention from workPIL seeks immediate medical interventionThe petition has been filed by advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini who has sought immediate judicial intervention citing Wangchuks deteriorating health after more than two weeks of fastingAccording to the plea Wangchuk has lost approximately 85 kg since beginning his hunger strike and is experiencing repeated episodes of low blood sugar dizziness severe muscle loss and physical weaknessReferring to a newspaper report published on July 14 the petition states that his condition has worsened significantly and that continued fasting could pose a serious threat to his lifePetitioner urges authorities to protect Wangchuks lifeThe petitioner argued that the State has a constitutional obligation to protect the life and health of every citizen even when an individual is participating in a peaceful protestAccording to the petition the authorities have not initiated any meaningful dialogue with Wangchuk despite the prolonged hunger strikeThe plea further states that allowing a citizens health to deteriorate without intervention would amount to a failure of the governments constitutional and public responsibilitiesAccording to reports cited in the petition the petitioner stated The simple thing to be done is to take him to a government hospital and force feed him the necessary nutrients vitamins and minerals by way of a liquid diet which are necessary for human body to survivePlea seeks dialogue with protestersApart from medical treatment the PIL also seeks directions to the Union Government and the Delhi Government to initiate discussions with Wangchuk regarding the issues raised during his protestThe petitioner argued that while peaceful demonstrations and hunger strikes are protected democratic rights the government should engage with protesters instead of remaining passive when their health is at serious riskThe plea also requests that if necessary Wangchuk be administered essential liquid nutrition proteins vitamins and other medical support to prevent further deterioration in his conditionPetition cites legal provisionsThe PIL also refers to provisions relating to the abetment of suicide under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita BNS arguing that the authorities cannot remain passive spectators when a persons life is allegedly in imminent dangerThe petitioner has sought directions requiring the respondents to provide immediate medical care and any other relief that the Delhi High Court may consider appropriate in the interest of justiceHearing uncertain amid lawyers strikeAlthough the petitioner has sought urgent listing of the matter it remains uncertain whether the case will be heard on TuesdayThe Delhi High Court Bar Association DHCBA has called for abstention from work on July 15 to protest the proposed increase in the pecuniary jurisdiction of district courts from Rs 2 crore to Rs 10 croreThe association has requested its members not to appear before any bench of the Delhi High Court either physically or virtually It has also announced that bar rooms the cafeteria and other facilities would remain closed during the protest which could affect court proceedings including the hearing of urgent mattersWith inputs from ANI