Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike: Delhi HC directs daily medical supervision

A doctor, right, examines educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, center, who is on an indefinite hunger strike during a Cockroach Janta Party protest demanding the resignation of India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and repeated document leaks in New Delhi on July 16, 2026. | Photo credit: AP

The Delhi High Court on Thursday (July 16, 2026) directed the Center and the Delhi government to ensure that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s health is monitored “clinically and otherwise” on a daily basis and that any medical intervention required to address his deteriorating health is provided immediately.

Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia passed the direction while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking urgent intervention to protect the health of Mr. Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.

During the hearing, the Bench asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta if there was any mechanism to monitor Mr. Wangchuk’s health.

Sonam Wangchuk lost over 9 kg, significantly weakened on the 19th day of fasting: CJP

“Mr. Attorney, is there any mechanism to check the health status of this person?” asked the court.

In response to a query, Mr. Mehta said that Mr. Wangchuk undergoes a daily medical check-up.

The court noted that it wanted the activist to be “regularly medically examined by government doctors” and ordered authorities to intervene whenever doctors deemed medical treatment necessary.

“(Solicitor General Mehta) further assures the court that depending on the opinion of the doctors, any medical intervention required to control Mr. Wangchuk’s deteriorating health will also be done,” the court said in its order.

The Bench further observed, “Though we have noted the assurances given by the Solicitor General, we have only observed that the life of every citizen is precious and efforts should be made by the government authorities to save it. With this order, the court closed the PIL.”

The petition was filed by advocate and social activist Rakesh Kumar Saini, who claimed that Mr. Wangchuk’s health had deteriorated after several days of fasting and sought immediate judicial intervention to protect his life.

Mr. Saini relied on a report by The Hindu published on July 14 titled “Hospitalized student on fast, Wangchuk loses 8.25 kg as strike continues” to claim that Mr. Wangchuk needed urgent medical attention.

Mr. Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 at Jantar Mantar demanding action on issues related to the country’s education system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The petition argued that the government cannot remain a passive spectator and claims that failure to intervene could amount to “inciting suicide” under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

It urged the authorities to provide Mr. Wangchuk with immediate medical attention, “even if forcibly, to ensure his good health and save his life.”

The plea further proposed that the activist be taken to a government hospital and given the nutrients, vitamins and minerals necessary for survival through a liquid diet if needed.

Published – 16 Jul 2026 11:52 IST