Sonam Wangchuk
Prelims:
Polity
Mains:
GS
Paper II-Polity and Governance, GS Paper IV-Ethics
Current relevance:
Activist Sonam Wangchuk continued his indefinite
hunger strike for the 20th day, demanding the resignation of Union
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Highlights:
Sonam
Wangchuk:
1.
He is
an engineer, education reformer, innovator, and environmental activist
from Ladakh.
2.
He
is known for promoting sustainable development, educational reforms, and
climate conservation through community-based initiatives.
Background
of the Hunger Strike:
1.
Hunger
strike demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister, holding the Ministry accountable
for its handling of issues related to the education sector.
2.
The protest seeks greater transparency,
accountability, and reforms in educational governance.
3.
The
protest has attracted support from political parties, student organisations,
and public figures across the country.
Constitutional
Provisions:
1.
Article
19(1)(a):
Guarantees the Freedom of Speech and Expression, enabling citizens to
voice their grievances peacefully.
2.
Article
19(1)(b):
Guarantees the Right to Assemble Peacefully and Without Arms, forming
the constitutional basis for peaceful protests and demonstrations.
3.
Article
19(1)(c): Guarantees
the Right to Form Associations or Unions, allowing collective action
through civil society and student organisations.
4. Article 21: Guarantees the Right to Life
and Personal Liberty, imposing a duty on the State to safeguard the health
and life of hunger strikers by ensuring timely medical care.
5. Article 14: Guarantees Equality Before
Law and Equal Protection of Laws, requiring the State to respond fairly and
without discrimination.
6.
Article
32 & Article 226:
Empower the Supreme Court and High Courts to protect Fundamental Rights
through constitutional remedies, as reflected in judicial intervention to
monitor the protester's health.
Ethical
Dilemmas:
- Positive Ethical Dimensions
- Moral Courage: Demonstrates personal sacrifice to highlight issues of public interest.
- Democratic Dissent: Upholds the democratic right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.
- . Accountability: Seeks transparency and
responsibility from public authorities regarding governance and policy
decisions.
- Public Participation: Reinforces active citizen
engagement in democratic processes by encouraging public involvement in matters
of governance and accountability.
- Non-Violenc e: Embodies Gandhian
principles of peaceful protest, emphasizing moral persuasion and constitutional
methods over the use of force.
- Social Justice: Highlights systemic issues affecting the
public and advocates institutional reforms to ensure fairness, transparency,
and equitable governance.
Negative
Ethical Dimensions
- Risk to Life:
Prolonged hunger strike endangers the protester's health and life, raising
ethical concerns.
- Moral Pressure on Government:
Hunger strikes may exert emotional or moral coercion rather than relying solely
on democratic deliberation.
- Public Disruption:
Prolonged protests may divert administrative attention and affect normal governance.
- Influence on Vulnerable Groups:
Such protests may inspire students or supporters to undertake similar
health-threatening actions.
- Ethical Dilemma for the State:
The government must balance respect for individual autonomy with its
constitutional duty to protect life.
- Political Polarisation: The movement may become politicised, shifting focus away from the core issues and reducing the scope for constructive dialogue.
Source: THE HINDU - https://www.pressreader.com/india/the-hindu-international-9bn2/20260718/281560887560601?srsltid=AfmBOorBlKsQ0LlHAtD1amIBfcx3BHY1F_rXOpqqxF6QxT7u7z7zMl5k