'Save Sonam Wangchuk's life': Delhi High Court to Centre as hunger strike enters Day 19

Wangchuk is on a fast demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged paper leak controversy and broader issues concerning the education sector.

High Court Orders Immediate Medical Intervention

Hearing a petition on Thursday, the High Court said as quoted by NDTV, "Whatever medical intervention is needed to save Sonam Wangchuk's life should be done."

The court further observed, "We note that the life of any citizen is precious… and all efforts ought to be made by authorities to save the same."

The order came after activist-lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini moved the court seeking directions to the Centre and the Delhi government to shift Wangchuk to a government hospital, citing a serious deterioration in his health during the protest at Jantar Mantar in the national capital.

Petition Flags Serious Health Concerns

According to the petition, Wangchuk has lost more than 8 kg since beginning his hunger strike and could face life-threatening complications if the fast continues.

"If he passes away, it would be a matter of great shame for the country and the world," the plea stated, as quoted by The Times of India.

Protest Origin and Demand

Wangchuk joined the ongoing protest that was initially launched by the satirical online campaign Cockroach Janta Party. His primary demand is the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and reforms in the education system.

Appeals to End Fast

The petition comes amid growing appeals from politicians and members of the film fraternity urging Wangchuk to call off his hunger strike while asking the Centre to begin dialogue to resolve the impasse.

Wangchuk Urges Supporters to Join Parliament March

In a video message shared on Wednesday, Wangchuk acknowledged that his health had deteriorated but said his condition was not yet critical.

"I'm not in good shape but not so bad either... Rather than asking me to break my fast, please join me on 20th July... Peaceful March to the Parliament," he said.

Calls for dialogue grow

The petition comes as several politicians and members of the film fraternity have appealed to Wangchuk to end his hunger strike while urging the government to immediately initiate talks to resolve the impasse.

Protest over alleged exam irregularities

The agitation was launched by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over alleged irregularities in national-level entrance examinations, including NEET and CUET.

The organisation has claimed that Wangchuk has lost significant weight during the protest.

Key demands

The movement is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging repeated lapses in the conduct of competitive examinations.

It has also called for greater transparency, accountability and reforms in the country's examination system.