Activist Sonam Wangchuk has asserted the necessity for the Indian government to guarantee that no punitive or retaliatory legal action will be taken against participants in the Cockroach Janata Party’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest. This request comes as a condition for him to conclude his ongoing hunger strike, which has now extended to the twenty-fifth day. Wangchuk’s fast began as a protest against the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, arising from the NEET-UG paper leak scandal.

Context of the Protest

In a public statement released on the social media platform X, Wangchuk emphasised that the protestors had committed no wrongdoing by voicing their concerns. He stated, “Therefore, I respectfully request an unequivocal assurance from the Government that none of the young protestors will face any punitive or retaliatory legal action for participating in this movement.” Wangchuk believes that their only ‘offence’ lies in advocating for a just and accountable education system.

Adding further weight to his plea, Wangchuk indicated that if the government provided such an assurance, he would end his fast, expressing faith that the administration would heed not only his appeal but also the aspirations of millions of young people across the nation. Conversely, he warned that the absence of such an assurance would compel him to persist with his hunger strike indefinitely. In his message, he also called for a cessation of excessive police force against the demonstrators.

Wangchuk extended gratitude to Minister of State for the Prime Minister’s Office, Jitendra Singh, and Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda for their visit at the hospital where he is being treated. He relayed that they assured him of appropriate compensation for families of students who died by suicide following the NEET-UG paper leak incident. Furthermore, they promised a “meaningful discussion in Parliament” aimed at ensuring accountability, including the consideration of a resignation from the Education Minister.

Ongoing Protests and Legal Implications

The situation surrounding the protests has intensified, with the Delhi Police reportedly registering ten First Information Reports (FIRs) linked to the demonstrations conducted by the Cockroach Janata Party in the national capital. The Delhi High Court has responded to the escalating tension by issuing notices to both the Central Government and the Delhi Police concerning three public interest litigations. These petitions allege excessive police force during the protests and instruct the authorities to safeguard CCTV footage and other pertinent electronic records related to the events.

Despite the tensions, Wangchuk noted that the ‘Chalo Sansad march’ held on July 20 unfolded peacefully. He underscored his hope that trust in democratic institutions is not further tarnished by any potential legal consequences or aggressive actions against the protestors. Wangchuk mentioned that he had been approached by approximately 65 Members of Parliament, urging him to conclude his fast.

As tensions continue, the Medanta Hospital released a statement confirming that Wangchuk is currently receiving treatment from a multidisciplinary team of physicians. His condition is reported to be stable, and his vital signs are within acceptable limits. All medical interventions are being carried out with his informed consent, marking careful attention to his health amid ongoing protests and his hunger strike.

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