Sonam Wangchuk, an activist has been on indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar asking for resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him responsible for NEET examination paper leak. On 18th July morning, 21st day of Peaceful Hunger Strike of Sonam Wangchuk, Delhi Police forcefully removed Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar for emergency medication and bring to Safdarjung Hospital and admitted at around 7:40am. Many descibed it as a blot on democracy by Indian government. Article 19(1)(b) give right to citizens Right to assemble peacefully in any region so why the Police now intervening in it. It alleged by protesters that Government is trying to weaken the upcoming protest planned on 20 July to “the Sansad” , therefore Police are disturbing the ongoing hunger strikes by removing Sonam Wangchuk on his 21st day of Hunger Strike.
Wangchuk’s wife said that he still haven’t broken his Ansan, didn’t eat anything in the hospital he refuses intravenous fluids, oral rehydartion solution (ORS) and other medication despite his worst condition. He urged more people to join upcoming strike on 20th July for resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
Rahul Gandhi stated that Removal of activist Sonam Wangchuk was wrong and alleged that core tenets of the Government are ‘Asatya’ (falsehood) and ‘hinsa’ (violence).He further stated that rising cost of education, paper leaks and continuous suicides are threat to India’s future. Other parties and public condemned this act of government. With Sonam Wangchuk other 3 activist from AISA has been on hunger strike since 28 June in support of CJP leading protest in against NEET paper leak.
CJP’s founder Abhijeet Deepke also got beaten by Delhi police by covering his mouth with their hands to supress his voice, dragged by police and detained him. Later Delhi police refused all the imposed allegation of assault stating that no force has been used in this operation. In response to the Delhi Police act, Abhijeet announced that he will sit on indefinite hunger strike.
The Delhi High Court held that the removal of Mr. Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar was justified after his prolonged hunger strike. Court also refused to accept interim order directing his transfer from Safdarjung Hospital to a private hospital of his own choice. Mr. Wangchuk’s counsel Mr. Sibbal argued that Mr. Wangchuk was taken to Safadarjung Hospital neither has accessed to his doctor and lawyer. He further submitted that Wangchuk was neither under detention nor he was under any charge, therefore detention by Delhi Police is unlawful and Wangchuk should be release and admitted to his personal choice of hospital as his personal liberty under Article 21 (Right to Life and Liberty) and Right to Freedom under Article 19 (Freedom Rights) were being violated.
The Forceful removal of Mr. Wangchuk from protest area Jantar Mantar in the name of medical emergency without his consent was completely unlawful. While citizens have the Right to assemble peacefully under Article 19(1)(b), this right is subject to reasonable restrictions and must also be maintained with State’s duty to protect life and maintain public order.
