CJP Protest: Letter petition to CJI for protection Of Wangchuk, other protesters rights
A letter petition before the CJI seeks protection for Sonam Wangchuk and Jantar Mantar protesters, medical facilities at the protest site and permission to continue the hunger strike peacefully.
A letter petition has been submitted to the Chief Justice of India (Img: X)
New Delhi: A letter petition has been submitted to the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant seeking urgent protection of the fundamental rights of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and other protesters continuing their hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
Plea Seeks Urgent Judicial Intervention
The petition was filed by advocate Narendra Mishra on July 18, hours after Wangchuk was shifted from the protest site to Safdarjung Hospital. It requests the Supreme Court Registry to place the matter before the Chief Justice for urgent consideration.
The plea refers to Articles 14, 19, 21 and 32 of the Constitution and raises concerns over the rights, health and safety of the protesters.
According to the petition, Wangchuk’s removal from Jantar Mantar left the agitation without its main leader and created fear among students that the peaceful protest could be restricted.
It argues that peaceful assembly and expression at a designated protest venue are constitutionally protected, and any police action must be lawful, reasonable and proportionate.
Medical Facilities Sought at Protest Site
The petition has also requested adequate medical arrangements at Jantar Mantar for those observing the indefinite fast.
It seeks the presence of qualified doctors, emergency equipment, medicines and regular medical examinations for Wangchuk and other hunger strikers. The plea says shifting protesters to a hospital should not be the only medical response available to the authorities.
Request to Restrain Police Action
The petitioner has urged the Court to direct Delhi Police not to interfere with the peaceful demonstration or use unnecessary force, except in accordance with law.
The plea further states that if Wangchuk’s removal is found to be unlawful, he should be released and allowed to return to Jantar Mantar so that the protest can continue under his leadership.
Protesters Raise NEET Irregularity Concerns
The petition says students and young citizens have joined the protest over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, including paper leaks, OMR sheet leaks, impersonation and the circulation of leaked papers as guess papers.
Wangchuk remains under observation at Safdarjung Hospital due to dehydration linked to his prolonged fast. The petition is currently awaiting consideration by the Supreme Court Registry.
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