New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Centre and the Delhi government to ensure regular medical monitoring of activist Sonam Wangchuk and provide him with medical assistance whenever required, as concerns mounted over his deteriorating health on the 19th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.

Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking urgent medical intervention, the court observed, "Life is precious; would like government doctors to regularly examine Sonam Wangchuk." The bench further directed the authorities to regularly monitor Sonam Wangchuk's health and provide medical aid, if needed.

"We only observe that life of any citizen is precious and all efforts ought to be made by the government authorities to save the same. We appreciate the stance taken by Solicitor General and accordingly direct that medical condition of Wangchuk, clinically and otherwise, be regularly monitored on a daily basis," the Court said.

Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court there was no objection to periodic health examinations by government doctors.

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The PIL was filed by Rakesh Kumar Saini, who argued that Wangchuk's health had significantly deteriorated because of the prolonged fast and sought immediate judicial intervention to safeguard his life.

The court's directions came as Wangchuk's attending physician, Dr Satish Lamba, warned that the activist could soon enter a critical stage of prolonged starvation involving multiple organs if the hunger strike continues.

Addressing the media during a medical briefing, Dr Lamba said Wangchuk has now lost more than nine kilograms since beginning his fast.

"Today, on the 19th day of hunger strike, his total weight loss exceeds 9 kilograms. His blood sugar today is 80 mg/dL, and his pulse is 72 beats per minute. His blood pressure readings are 105/61 mmHg while lying down and 101/65 mmHg while sitting," Dr Lamba reported.

Although Wangchuk remains mentally alert and adequately hydrated, the doctor said his condition has entered the second stage of prolonged starvation.

"The second stage involves elevated uric acid levels, indicating muscle breakdown and consumption, which has caused the rise in blood uric acid," he explained.

Dr Lamba cautioned that the next phase could be significantly more dangerous.

"We now face a potential third stage, which could be alarming, involving organ involvement; for this, we must adopt a 'wait and watch' approach. We are maintaining extra vigilance around the clock," he warned.

Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike on June 28, joining the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) agitation at Jantar Mantar. The protest is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and is also seeking accountability from the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The protest is expected to intensify further, with the CJP announcing a "Chalo Sansad" march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the opening day of the Monsoon Session.

Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party national convener and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to visit Jantar Mantar later on Thursday to meet Wangchuk and express support for the ongoing agitation.