A petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking urgent medical help for activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 17 days at Jantar Mantar.
The petition has asked authorities to take Wangchuk to a hospital and force-feed him to protect his life.
Wangchuk, who inspired Aamir Khan’s character Phunsukh Wangdu in the film ‘3 Idiots’, began his hunger strike on June 28. He is participating in a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG paper leak case.
Petition Raises Concerns Over Wangchuk’s Health
The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed by activist and lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini. According to the petition, Wangchuk’s health is getting worse and his life could be at serious risk if the hunger strike continues.
The plea has requested the Centre and the Delhi government to shift Wangchuk to a hospital and provide him with necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals through a liquid diet.
The petition said that Wangchuk’s death would be a matter of “great shame for the country and the world”.
According to his latest health update, Wangchuk has lost around 8.5 kg and his blood pressure has dropped to 109/70.
Wangchuk Struggling to Walk
Videos of a weak-looking Wangchuk lying on a white mattress and surrounded by medical workers have been widely shared on social media.
CJP founder Abhijit Dipke, who has remained by Wangchuk’s side, said several requests to end the hunger strike have failed.
According to Dipke, Wangchuk feels dizzy whenever he tries to sit or stand. He is also finding it difficult to walk to the washroom and is in severe pain.
What Is the Cockroach Janta Party Demanding?
The Cockroach Janta Party is a satirical movement started by Abhijit Dipke a few months ago.
The group is demanding education reforms, compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide after paper leaks and the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.
The CJP has also announced a march to Parliament on July 20, the first day of the Monsoon session.
‘I Am Just an Ordinary Citizen’: Wangchuk
In a video message shared on X last week, Wangchuk said he was not a “modern Gandhi” or a “hero”. He asked people to take responsibility and support the protest.
“Many people call me the Gandhi of the 21st century or a modern Gandhi. Others call me a hero… I am just an ordinary citizen who has tried to fulfil his responsibilities,” Wangchuk said.
The Delhi High Court is yet to take up the petition. Meanwhile, attention remains on Wangchuk’s health and the CJP’s planned Parliament march on July 20.
