NEW DELHI, July 16 (Reuters) – An Indian court directed authorities on Thursday to monitor the health of an activist who is on the 19th day of a hunger strike on a stage in central Delhi to demand the education minister quits, and to intervene if his condition deteriorates.
It is the first time that a court has intervened in the protest, as concern over Sonam Wangchuk’s condition grows among his supporters. The instruction means he could be moved to a hospital if his health worsens.
Wangchuk has been fasting in solidarity with India’s youth Cockroach Janta Party, which is staging a sit-in demanding minister Dharmendra Pradhan step down over exam paper leaks that affected millions of students.
The 59-year-old, who has said he will continue his strike until their demands are met, has lost more than 9 kg (20 pounds) since he began his fast but remains mentally alert, a doctor attending to him told news agency ANI.
Acting on a petition for authorities to force-feed Wangchuk before his condition worsens, a two-judge bench of the Delhi High Court asked officials to intervene depending on medical opinion.
The court order comes days ahead of a march to parliament called by the CJP on July 20 from the venue of the hunger strike to press for Pradhan’s resignation and exam reforms.
