Sonam Wangchuk in critical condition: High Court to hear plea today

NEW DELHI: The health condition of environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is continuing an indefinite hunger strike in solidarity with the Cockroach Janata Party's protest, has deteriorated. The Delhi High Court will hear a public interest litigation (PIL) today seeking his immediate transfer from the protest site at Jantar Mantar to a hospital. Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike for 18 days. In his petition filed by advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini, Wangchuk pointed out that if continued at this rate, he may die within 2 days. Wangchuk has lost 8.5 kg so far. The High Court, observing that it is an urgent matter, decided to hear the arguments today. The Central Government should inform its stand.

The Cockroach Janata Party demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and transparency in India's education system. Shashi Tharoor MP, who wrote a letter to them expressing solidarity with the protest, requested Sonam to end the hunger strike. Party founder Abhijeet Dipke accused the Modi government of showing cruelty by delaying talks with the protesters. Meanwhile, CPM leader Aishe Ghosh approached the Delhi High Court, alleging that the Delhi Police is continuously monitoring the protesters and demanding that this be stopped. The petition was filed through Advocate KR Subhash Chandran.