The Delhi High Court has requested responses from the Central and Delhi governments regarding a public interest litigation (PIL) aimed at intervening in the hunger strike of activist Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk is currently protesting at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The PIL, filed by activist lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini, was presented before Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia. Saini described Wangchuk as a social and human rights activist exercising his fundamental rights against a government action that has faced significant criticism. He stated, “He is virtually committing harakiri, the famous Japanese term for taking one’s own life, in front of the whole nation.”
The Court acknowledged the urgency of the matter and scheduled a hearing for the following day, July 16. “Nobody is present on behalf of the Union of India. We are entertaining the petition. We will post the matter tomorrow itself and require the Union of India to seek instructions,” the Bench remarked. The Court directed that copies of the petition and the order be served to the law officers of both the Central and Delhi governments.
The petitioner has requested that the governments take Wangchuk to a hospital and provide him with nutrition through forced feeding. According to the petition, Wangchuk’s health has deteriorated significantly, with a reported weight loss of 8.5 kg. It warns that if he continues his hunger strike, he could face life-threatening consequences within two days. The plea emphasizes that Wangchuk’s death would be a source of great shame for the country and the world.
Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28, having joined protests organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar. The CJP emerged as an online satirical movement that gained popularity on social media, particularly among younger users. Founded by Dipke, a resident of Boston, USA, the collective uses political satire to address issues such as unemployment, institutional accountability, and media freedom. The CJP has been protesting since June 20, demanding the resignation of the education minister over alleged question paper leaks and irregularities in the education system.
The PIL claims that the government is treating Wangchuk as a “hardcore criminal, terrorist or traitor to the nation” and shows little concern for his well-being. The petition argues that the government should at least provide proper medical attention, even if it requires force, to save his life. It states, “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 survive.”
The petitioner expressed confidence that while some believe the conscience of the nation is dead, “the conscience of courts is not dead.” Therefore, he has sought directions for the Union and Delhi governments to force feed Wangchuk in order to preserve his life.
