SCBA Expresses Solidarity With Sonam Wangchuk, Laments Lack Of Govt Response To His Protest For Exam Reforms

In the resolution adopted on July 16, the Committee said it was deeply concerned that Wangchuk had placed his health and life at risk for the future of the country's children, drawing national attention to issues surrounding the NEET examinations and the broader well-being of the country. It said that Wangchuk's longstanding work has transformed countless lives through discipline, innovation and community engagement.

The Committee lamented that despite his willingness to undertake such an extreme step for the education system, institutional conscience had not responded with the urgency the situation demanded.

"The Committee expresses regret that despite a person of Mr. Wangchuk's integrity being willing to undertake such an extreme step for the betterment of the education system, institutional conscience has not responded with the urgency and sensitivity the moment demands. We note with deep concern a period marked by systemic failures affecting millions of young citizens and a troubling erosion of accountability across public institutions."

Stating that India did not need Wangchuk to jeopardise his life for a system in distress, the committee appealed to him to discontinue his fast and safeguard his health.

The Committee said, "Mr. Wangchuk's fast has stirred the nation and awakened public conscience. However, the Committee is of the considered view that India does not need him to place his life in jeopardy for a system in distress. India needs him to remain alive, active, engaged, and able to lead from the front. The long journey of strengthening institutions and restoring public faith requires his continued presence and full strength."

The resolution further stated that the SCBA would extend appropriate legal and research support, within the framework of its mandate, to initiatives aimed at ensuring transparency, fairness and accountability in processes determining educational opportunities. It also resolved to advocate reforms to strengthen institutional integrity and sustainable public engagement while reaffirming the Association's commitment to constitutional morality and institutional integrity.

"In recognition of the message his fast has conveyed, the Committee resolves that we too shall do our bit to build the national character, anchoring our work in constitutional morality, institutional responsibility, and the long-term interests of India's youth. The Committee resolves to extend appropriate legal and research support, within the framework of our mandate, to initiatives aimed at ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in processes that determine educational opportunities. The Committee resolves to advocate for reforms that enhance institutional integrity, and to contribute to sustained public engagement that reinforces ethical governance. The Committee affirms that the Supreme Court Bar Association will continue to serve as a guardian of constitutional morality and institutional integrity, contributing meaningfully and consistently to the nation's long-term development", the resolution reads.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal and SCBA President Vikas Singh have also appealed to Wangchuk to end his hunger strike.