NEW DELHI, Jul 15: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday said it will hear on Thursday a public interest litigation (PIL) expressing concern over the deteriorating health of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar in the national capital.
A bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia deferred the matter after noting that no counsel appeared for the authorities due to the Delhi High Court Bar Association’s ongoing abstention from work.
“Having regard to urgency, list tomorrow,” the bench observed, directing that a copy of its order be served on the Additional Solicitor General concerned and the Delhi government counsel.
Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28 and has been on an indefinite fast since then. The agitation, led by the Cockroach Janta Party, has continued for over 25 days, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
The PIL, filed by Rakesh Kumar Saini, described the situation as “sad” and “most unfortunate”, alleging that a protesting citizen was “virtually taking his life in front of the whole nation.”
The petition has sought directions to the authorities to intervene, engage in dialogue with Wangchuk, and take necessary steps to safeguard his health, including force-feeding him if required. (Agencies)
