Nothing alarming in Wangchuk's condition, can't release him on health grounds: Centre tells SC
New Delhi (PTI): The Centre on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been examined medically 24 times since his detention and he is "fit, hale and hearty" and there is nothing alarming.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told a bench of justices Aravind Kumar and PB Varale that grounds on which Wangchuk's detention order was passed continue and it will not be possible to release him on health grounds.
"We have examined his health periodically for 24 times. He is fit, hale and hearty. He had some digestive issue, he is being treated. There is nothing to worry, nothing alarming. We can't make exceptions like this.
"The grounds on which the detention order was passed, continues. It will not be possible to release him on health grounds. It may not be desirable also. We have given utmost consideration," Mehta told the bench.
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj submitted that Wangchuk was a chief provocateur in the violent protests and he instigated youths by giving examples of Nepal and Arab Spring.
Nataraj stated that Wangchuk referred to the violent agitation in Nepal and said the same thing can happen in India.
At this juncture, the bench asked, "Where does he say that? He is saying they (the youth) have taken it. He himself is surprised."
The ASG replied that the statement has to be inferred.
"Please come to next ground. He says deployment of armed forces in Ladakh is unfortunate. He says youth say peaceful methods have not proved effective," Nataraj said.
The bench then observed, "He is saying that the youth is saying that. Read the complete sentence. He is saying this is something worrying. If somebody expresses that violent method is not the proper way. You are doing too much of reading."
The top court was hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Wangchuk's wife Gitanjali Angmo seeking to declare his detention under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980, as illegal.
The NSA empowers the Centre and states to detain individuals to prevent them from acting in a manner "prejudicial to the defence of India". The maximum detention period is 12 months, though it can be revoked earlier.
Angmo said the unfortunate events of violence in Leh on September 24 last year cannot be attributed to the actions or statements of Wangchuk in any manner.
Wangchuk himself condemned the violence through his social media handles and categorically said violence would lead to the failure of Ladakh's "tapasya" and peaceful pursuit of five years, Angmo said, adding it was the saddest day of his life.
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Bihar: Over 150 children fall ill after consuming 'mid-day meal' in Saharsa
Saharsa (PTI): More than 150 children were taken ill after allegedly consuming food that was part of the mid-day meal in a school in Bihar’s Saharsa district, a senior official said on Thursday.
The incident occurred at a middle school in Baluaha village of the district.
The official said that 115 children were undergoing treatment at the Sadar Hospital, while around 50 students were admitted to Mahishi Public Health Centre.
“We received information that several children fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal in Baluaha. The children were initially treated at the primary health centre, but later, many were referred to the Sadar Hospital,” Saharsa District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar told reporters.
“According to doctors, the health condition of the children has improved, but they will be kept under observation for some time. There is no need to panic. Some kids are having mild fever. They are being treated accordingly,” Kumar said.
Meanwhile, family members of some children claimed that a snake was found in the container in which cooked pulses was stored at the school.
Of the 545 students present in the school, 200 had already eaten their meals by the time the snake was spotted, and later complained of stomach ache and vomiting, they said.
Regarding the claims, the DM said food samples have been collected from the school.
“We will be able to comment on this only after the results of the tested samples arrive,” he said.
