Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 15: A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking urgent medical intervention for activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 17 days at Jantar Mantar.

The petition, filed by activist and lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini, has urged the court to direct the Centre and the Delhi government to shift Wangchuk to a hospital and provide him with medical treatment, including force-feeding, if necessary, to prevent a further deterioration in his health.

According to the plea, Wangchuk's health has worsened during the course of his fast, and if the hunger strike continues, his life could be at risk within the next two days.

The petition states that Wangchuk should be admitted to a hospital and administered the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals through a liquid diet to ensure his survival.

It further contends that any loss of life under such circumstances would be a matter of "great shame for the country and the world."

Wangchuk, whose life inspired the character of Phunsukh Wangdu in the Bollywood film 3 Idiots, began his hunger strike on June 28 at Jantar Mantar as part of a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.

According to his latest health update, Wangchuk has lost around 8.5 kg during the fast, while his blood pressure has reportedly dropped to 109/70. His protest has drawn support from several academics and members of the film industry.