New Delhi: Delhi High Court Monday declined to urgently list a public interest litigation challenging the removal of fasting activist Sonam Wangchuk from the Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Hospital.Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya’s bench said the petitioner was only seeking a declaration that the action was illegal, which did not warrant immediate hearing.Calling the police action unconstitutional, the petitioner argued, “My prayer is that whatever action was taken by the police officials in removing Wangchuk sir… was illegal because it violates articles 14 and 19.”Chief Justice Upadhyaya remarked, “What is the urgency? That can be declared illegal even Wednesday. You are seeking a declaration that can be made the day after tomorrow also.” The matter would be taken up Wednesday.The petitioner also argued that the PIL was not confined to Wangchuk alone but also sought constitutional protection for other protesters, alleging that police were harassing those participating in the demonstration and that several lives were in danger. “We are seeking constitutional protection of the protesters. Harassment is being done by police on protesters.”Wangchuk has been on an indefinite fast as part of Cockroach Janta Party’s protest over irregularities in NEET-UG and other examinations. Following concerns over his deteriorating health, he was shifted by authorities to Safdarjung Hospital.
