‘Every citizen’s life…’: Delhi HC directs Centre, state govt to monitor Sonam Wangchuk’s health as she enters 18th | Today’s news
The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Central and Delhi governments to monitor the health and wellness of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike since June 28, on a daily basis.
Today is the 19th day of Wangchuk’s hunger strike to demand the resignation of India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Passing the order, Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia said, “On directions, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that Wangchuk’s health will be regularly monitored on a daily basis by state doctors. He further told the court that depending on the opinion of the doctors, any medical intervention required to control the deteriorating health should be given only to Wangchuk’s every effort.” we appreciate the stand taken by the Solicitor General and therefore order that Wangchuk’s health condition, clinical and otherwise, be regularly monitored on a daily basis,” the Bar and Bench report said.
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Sonam Wangchuk’s health has deteriorated significantly; he lost over 9 kilograms and entered the second phase of long-term starvation, when rising uric acid levels indicate muscle breakdown.
Wangchuk went on a hunger strike to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) 2026 and other examinations.
The Delhi High Court ordered the Central and Delhi governments to monitor Wangchuk’s health on a daily basis, allowing for necessary medical interventions based on doctors’ assessments.
The medical team warned that prolonged starvation could lead to multi-organ complications and significant internal stress as his body transitions from fat and muscle consumption to potential organ distress.
Participation in the protests is supported by supporters who believe it is necessary to address long-standing demands for education reforms and constitutional guarantees for Ladakh.
Watch live updates from Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike right here!
The order was passed on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed seeking government intervention to save the life of an activist who was on hunger strike after he joined the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests against the central government and specifically Pradhan following the leak of NEET-UG question papers.
The lawsuit alleged that the government treated Wangchuck as a terrorist and had no interest in him.
“The simple thing to do is to take him to a state hospital and force feed him the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals through a liquid diet that are necessary for the survival of the human body,” the lawsuit states, adding that “the petitioner is confident that the conscience of the courts is not dead.”
Sonam Wangchuk Health Status
Wangchuk’s health deteriorated as his hunger strike entered its 19th day on Thursday, July 16.
His attending physician, Dr. Satish Lamba, has issued an urgent warning of impending multi-organ complications if the fast continues.
“Today, on the 19th day of his fast, his total weight loss is over 9 kilograms. His blood sugar today is 80 mg/dL and his pulse is 72 beats per minute. His blood pressure is 105/61 mmHg lying and 101/65 mmHg sitting,” Dr Lamba said, according to ANI.
Read also | Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike: Public officials urge Center to start dialogue
While the medical team noted that Wangchuk’s hydration status remains decent and he remains mentally alert, his internal biochemistry reveals an alarming development. According to Dr. Lamba, the activist has officially entered the second phase of long-term starvation.
“The second phase involves increased levels of uric acid, which indicates the breakdown and consumption of muscle, which caused the rise of uric acid in the blood,” he explained.
The most critical window of danger lies immediately ahead. The medical team emphasized that fasting goes from consuming fat and muscle to directly stressing vital internal systems.
“We are now facing a potential third phase, which could be alarming, involving organ involvement; we have to take a ‘wait and watch’ approach to this. We are on extra vigilance 24 hours a day,” warned Dr Lamba.
Concerned about Wangchuk’s health, the CJP said in a press release: “The CJP reiterates its appeal to the Government of India to immediately engage the protesters, address long-pending demands for examination reforms and respond to growing student concerns across the country. The party also recalls the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and appeals to citizens to support the March 20 education reforms.”
