A doctor, right, examines educationist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, center, who undertakes 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 paper leaks in New Delhi, India, Thursday, July 16, 2026.
| Photo Credit: AP
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (July 16, 2026) directed the Centre and the Delhi government to ensure that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s medical condition is “clinically and otherwise” monitored on a daily basis and that any medical intervention required to address his deteriorating health is promptly provided.
A Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia passed the direction while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking urgent intervention to safeguard Mr. Wangchuk’s health as he continues his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.
During the hearing, the Bench asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta whether any mechanism was in place to monitor Mr. Wangchuk’s health.
“Mr. Solicitor, is there any mechanism in place to check the health condition of this person?” the court asked.
Responding to the query, Mr. Mehta submitted that Mr. Wangchuk undergoes a daily health check-up.
The court observed that it wanted the activist to be “regularly medically checked up by government doctors” and directed that the authorities intervene whenever doctors considered medical treatment necessary.
“He [Solicitor General Mehta] further assures the court that depending upon the opinion of the doctors, whatever medical intervention is needed to check the deteriorating health condition of Mr. Wangchuk will also be taken,” the court recorded in its order.
The Bench further observed, “While noticing the assurances given by the Solicitor General, we only observe that the life of any citizen is precious and efforts ought to be made by the government authorities to save the same.” With this order, the court closed the PIL.
The petition was filed by advocate and social activist Rakesh Kumar Saini, who contended 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 The Hindu report published on July 14, titled “Fasting Student Hospitalized, Wangchuk loses 8.25 kg as strike continues,” to argue that Mr. Wangchuk required urgent medical assistance.
Mr. Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since June 28, demanding action on issues concerning the country’s education system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The petition argued that the government could not remain a passive spectator, contending that failure to intervene could amount to “abetment of suicide” under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
It urged the authorities to provide immediate medical attention to Mr. Wangchuk, “even if forcibly to ensure his good health and to save his life.”
The plea further suggested that the activist be shifted to a government hospital and administered the nutrients, vitamins and minerals necessary for survival through a liquid diet if required.
Published – July 16, 2026 11:52 am IST
