In a dramatic turn of events, the Delhi High Court has refused to grant interim relief to Sonam Wangchuk, the activist who has been on a hunger strike for 17-18 days, sparking widespread protests across the country.
Background
Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent activist, has been on a hunger strike to draw attention to various issues, including the NEET paper leak. His condition has been described as perilous by the Delhi High Court, with dangerously low potassium levels. Despite his condition, Wangchuk has refused to cooperate with doctors, leading to concerns about his health.
Delhi HC Decision
The Delhi High Court has declined to grant Wangchuk’s wife’s plea to transfer him from Safdarjung Hospital to a private facility, citing that the decision to shift him to Safdarjung was a medical one, not an arbitrary one. The Court has, however, stated that Wangchuk will cooperate with doctors if he so chooses.
The Centre has been accused of undermining democracy by forcibly taking Wangchuk to hospital, with opposition leaders condemning the move as dictatorial. The AAP has moved a notice in the Rajya Sabha to discuss the NEET paper leak and Wangchuk’s deteriorating health.
Nationwide Protests
Protests have erupted across the country, with students, activists, and opposition leaders joining forces to demand action on the NEET paper leak and Wangchuk’s health. A protest in Bengaluru saw over 1,000 people participate, with demands for increased public participation and accountability.
- Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has expressed support for the students’ protest, calling for the issue to be taken up in Parliament.
- Manish Sisodia, former Delhi Education Minister, is set to join the protest at Jantar Mantar.
- Gitanjali Angmo, Wangchuk’s wife, has cancelled a press conference due to unforeseen circumstances.
Source: Original Article
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