Delhi High Court Directs Daily Health Monitoring of Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk
News Summary
Judicially Reviewed.
- The Delhi High Court has ordered the Central Government to conduct daily health check-ups and provide necessary treatment to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.
- The bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Kari emphasized the value of every citizen’s life while issuing the directive.
- After hearing a public interest litigation filed by advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini, the court concluded the matter based on Solicitor General Tushar Mehta’s assurance.
On Thursday, the Delhi High Court directed the Central Government to ensure that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk undergoes daily health examinations by doctors.
Recognizing his deteriorating health, the court instructed the government to provide necessary medical treatment promptly.
This directive was issued by a bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay along with Justice Tejas Kari.
The order followed a hearing on a public interest litigation filed seeking immediate medical intervention for Wangchuk.
During proceedings, the court stated, ‘Every citizen’s life is valuable, and the government must make all possible efforts to protect it.’
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Central Government, assured the court that government-appointed doctors and medical experts are monitoring Wangchuk’s health continuously.
He added that appropriate medical treatment will be provided based on the doctors’ reports if deemed necessary.
The court expressed appreciation for the Solicitor General’s commitment and mandated daily health check-ups as well as timely treatment for Wangchuk.
Following this, the court concluded the public interest litigation filed by advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini.
Saini had requested directions for the Central and Delhi Governments to immediately admit Wangchuk to a hospital and provide essential treatment.
He also urged that if necessary, Wangchuk be forcibly fed to safeguard his life and health.
Wangchuk began a hunger strike on June 28. Senior General Physician Dr. Satish Lambat issued a health bulletin on the 19th day of the strike.
According to him, by the 19th day of fasting, Wangchuk’s weight had reduced by more than nine kilograms, though his body’s water level remains normal.