SC directs Sonam Wangchuk's medical examination by specialist doctor
New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Thursday directed medical examination by a specialist doctor of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk after he complained of stomach issues due to water contamination.
Fifty-nine-year-old Wangchuk is under detention in the Jodhpur Central Jail.
A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and P B Varale also directed the jail authorities to furnish Wangchuk's medical report in a sealed cover by Monday.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Wangchuk's wife Gitanjali Angmo, told the court that an application seeking directions to jail authorities for immediate medical examination of the activist has been filed.
"He has problems in his stomach because of the water. He has been wanting a doctor to check. But nobody comes.
"Let him have a weekly check. And let him have the water we provide," Sibal submitted.
The counsel appearing for the Rajasthan government, however, said that he has been examined by the jail doctor 21 times in the past four months.
The top court, however, said that he needs a specialist doctor such as a gastroenterologist.
The counsel appearing for the Rajasthan government informed the court that Wangchuk has been advised Vitamin B12 and there was nothing wrong in his latest report.
Additional Solicitor General K M Nataraj placed on record Wangchuk's medical report which showed that from September 26 to January 26, the activist had been examined 21 times.
Nataraj said the latest medical examination report indicates that the blood pressure is normal and even the clinical examination of the chest and the abdomen is clean.
The apex court recorded Nataraj's statement that Wangchuk will be examined by a specialist from a government hospital and a report will be filed in a sealed cover by Monday.
Wangchuk was detained under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) on September 26 last year, two days after violent protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh left four people dead and 90 injured in the Union Territory. The government has accused Wangchuk of inciting the violence.
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.
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Mizoram observes Good Friday with solemn devotion
Aizawl (PTI): Good Friday was observed across Christian-majority Mizoram with deep religious fervour as devotees gathered to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Governor Vijay Kumar Singh and Chief Minister Lalduhoma extended their greetings on the occasion of Good Friday.
"Wishing you a peaceful and blessed Good Friday. May this sacred day deepen your faith, fill your heart with abundant grace, and strengthen your spirit. May the divine love and mercy surround you and your loved ones always," Singh said.
Taking to Facebook, Lalduhoma said, "I wish all churches observing the anniversary of the death of Lord Jesus Christ (Good Friday) a happy and joyful time."
The observance began on Thursday evening as local churches convened for special services to administer Holy Communion. This sacrament honours the commandment of Jesus, who instructed his disciples to perform the rite on the eve of his death.
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Also known as the Lord's Supper, the ritual symbolises the body and blood of Christ sacrificed for humanity, signifying a 'New Covenant' that portrays Jesus as the sacrificial lamb.
On Friday, churches of different denominations, including the Presbyterian and Baptist churches, held worship services featuring 'zaipawl' (group songs) by youth members.
Churches also organised 'Zaikhawm' (also known as Lengkhawm), a tradition of congregational singing that remains an integral part of Mizo culture during important Christian festivals, including Christmas and New Year.
The Roman Catholic community organised mass and led solemn Good Friday processions locally known as 'Kross Kawngzawh' through the streets in towns and villages.
Participants sang hymns and preached the Gospel, reflecting the core belief that Christ's sacrifice redeems humanity from sin.
A few minor churches in some villages marked the occasion with traditional community feasts (Ruai) as part of the celebration.
As a public holiday, government offices, educational institutions, and commercial banks remained closed on Friday.
Good Friday observance will be followed by Easter Sunday celebration on April 5 to commemorate the resurrection of Christ.
