The Ruling: Strict Medical Mandate Issued to Save Protester’s Life The Delhi High Court has stepped in with an urgent directive ordering the Central Government to closely monitor and safeguard the health of Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk. Entering the 19th day of his indefinite hunger strike, the 59-year-old’s rapidly deteriorating condition prompted the division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia to assert that “the life of any citizen is precious.”
The court disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) after securing a formal commitment from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that the government would take immediate action based on medical feedback.
Key Takeaways from the Court Order
-
Mandatory Daily Check-ups: The court ordered that Wangchuk must receive regular, daily clinical examinations conducted by government doctors and medical experts rather than relying solely on private physicians.
-
Prompt Intervention: The bench directed the Centre and the Delhi Government to execute whatever active medical interventions are deemed necessary by assessing physicians to prevent irreversible physical harm.
-
“Force-Feeding” Petition Disposed: While the petitioner argued that authorities should shift Wangchuk to a state-run hospital to administer a force-fed liquid diet, the court relied on the Solicitor General’s assurances to manage the medical response dynamically.
The Context: Day 19 of the Hunger Strike
Why Wangchuk is Fasting: Sonam Wangchuk has joined forces with the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The movement is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following widespread anger over paper leaks and systemic irregularities in the May 2026 NEET-UG medical entrance examinations.
According to bulletins issued by CJP organizers, Wangchuk’s physical state has become critical:
-
Severe Emaciation: He has lost approximately 8.9 kg, with his weight plunging to 57.15 kg.
-
Constant Monitoring: The activist is under 24-hour medical vigilance as his muscles continue to weaken from surviving solely on water and salt.
-
A Call for Mobilization: Despite calls from several prominent politicians urging him to end his fast, Wangchuk released an emotional video message confirming he will not back down. He has instead urged citizens to join the “Sansad Chalo” (March to Parliament) on July 20, 2026, to hand the issue over to Members of Parliament.
