“Every Life Is Precious”: Delhi High Court Orders Daily Medical Monitoring, Necessary Treatment Of Sonam Wangchuk Amid Hunger Strike
All efforts ought to be made by government authorities, Court said.
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Centre to ensure daily clinical monitoring of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, and observed that any medical intervention required to improve his deteriorating health should be undertaken by the government. [2026 LiveLaw (Del) 658]
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia passed the direction while hearing a public interest litigation seeking urgent medical intervention for Wangchuk.
“Life of any citizen is precious and all efforts ought to be made by government authorities to save the same,” the Court observed.
Taking note of the Centre's submission that Wangchuk's health is already being monitored by government doctors and experts, the Bench directed that his medical condition continue to be assessed on a daily basis and that necessary treatment be provided as and when required.
“We appreciate the stand taken by the learned Solicitor General and direct that Wangchuk's medical condition be clinically monitored on a daily basis and whatever medical intervention is required shall be taken,” the Court said.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, assured the Court that Wangchuk's health was being regularly monitored by government doctors and medical experts. He added that appropriate medical intervention would be provided depending on the doctors' assessment.
“We would like this person to be regularly medically checked by government doctors and, depending on the report of the doctors, if any medication is required, please intervene. Every life is precious,” the Bench observed orally.
It accordingly disposed of the PIL filed by lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini.
Saini sought urgent directions to the Central Government and the Delhi Government to shift Wangchuk to a hospital and administer necessary medical treatment, including force-feeding.
A direction was also sought on the government to protect life and health of Wangchuk.
“….take him to a government hospital and force feed him the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals, by way of a liquid diet which are necessary for a human body to survive,” the plea said.
For context, Wangchuk is on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak.
His protest is organized in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-centric political movement.
Wangchuk began the fast on June 28. As his protest entered its third week, his condition noticeably worsened, with reports indicating he has lost over 8 kg and experienced dropping blood sugar levels.
Title: Rakesh Kumar Saini v. Union of India & Anr
Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Del) 658