Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike Day 19: Delhi HC Says 'Every Life is Valuable', Refuses Forced Feeding

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike at Jantar Mantar has entered its 19th day, but he has once again refused to end his fast. A post shared on the official X account of the Cockroach Janta Party said that Wangchuk remains firm in his resolve to continue the hunger strike.

According to the party, Wangchuk has lost nearly 9 kg during the 19-day hunger strike. Concerned about his deteriorating health, advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Delhi High Court. The matter was heard on Thursday. During the hearing, the court observed that Wangchuk’s condition is serious and stressed that every human life is valuable. It added that the government has a responsibility to make every possible effort to protect his life.

Centre assures daily health monitoring

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared on behalf of both the Delhi government and the Centre. He assured the court that Wangchuk’s health is being monitored daily and that his vital health parameters are being checked regularly. He also informed the bench that medical reports are prepared every day.

Court issues directions

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia directed the government to take any necessary medical intervention if Wangchuk’s health deteriorates further. The bench also ordered that government doctors should continue examining him on a daily basis.

Can Sonam Wangchuk be forced to end his hunger strike?

The PIL also sought directions to shift Wangchuk to a hospital for proper medical treatment and to place him on a liquid diet or administer nutrition if necessary. However, the court declined the request, saying he should not be forcibly fed or given nutrients against his will. Instead, it directed government doctors to keep him under constant medical observation and provide medical treatment whenever necessary.

The court observed that peaceful protests and hunger strikes are democratic rights, and forcing someone to eat against their will would violate those rights. At the same time, it said that any medical intervention necessary to safeguard his health should be carried out.

Sonam’s father's hunger strike

Sonam Wangchuk’s father, Sonam Wangyal, a senior Ladakhi politician and former Cabinet Minister in the Jammu and Kashmir government, had also gone on a hunger strike twice in 1984, demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Ladakh. During one of the five-day protests, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi flew to Leh on a special aircraft and personally offered him juice to end his fast.

At the time, Indira Gandhi assured him that Ladakh would be granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Ladakh was officially granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status in 1989 during the tenure of then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.