New Delhi, 15 July (H.S.): The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notices to the Central Government and the Delhi Government on a petition seeking intervention to end social activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike, which is being held to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak and irregularities in the education sector.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya directed that the matter be listed for hearing on July 16.

The petition was filed by advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini. During the hearing, Saini submitted that a human rights activist, while exercising his democratic right to protest, was prepared to sacrifice his life in full public view. Taking note of the seriousness of the matter, the Court scheduled the hearing for July 16 itself.

The Bench directed counsel representing the Central and Delhi governments to obtain instructions on the matter before the next hearing. It also asked the petitioner to furnish copies of the petition to the counsel appearing for both governments.

The petition seeks directions to the Central and Delhi governments to shift Sonam Wangchuk to a hospital and ensure that he is provided medical treatment and force-fed if necessary. It states that Wangchuk’s health has been deteriorating continuously, that Wednesday marked the 18th day of his fast, and that he has lost approximately 8.5 kilograms.

According to the petition, if the hunger strike continues for another one or two days, Wangchuk’s life could be at serious risk. It further argues that any loss of life under such circumstances would bring shame to the country and the international community.

Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike since June 28. He joined a protest organised by the Cockroach Janata Party at Jantar Mantar and has continued his indefinite fast since then. The protest demands the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak and other irregularities in the education sector.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar