'Urgent': Delhi High Court Seeks Centre, Delhi Govt Stand On Plea Seeking To End Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike

Nupur Thapliyal

15 July 2026 11:46 AM IST

  • Urgent: Delhi High Court Seeks Centre, Delhi Govt Stand On Plea Seeking To End Sonam Wangchuks Hunger Strike
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    The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking urgent medical intervention for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.

    Calling the matter 'urgent', a division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia has sought the Centre, Delhi government's stand by tomorrow.

    The development comes ina plea been filed by lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini. "Most unfortunate situation. Social activist who is on protest in exercise of his fundamental right against highly criticised govt actual is virtually committing an act of taking his own life in front of whole nation," he submitted while appearing in-person.

    The Court however adjourned the matter till tomorrow, citing absence of counsel for Union of India.

    "We are entertaining your petition. We will post this tomorrow. We will require UOI to obtain instruction. We will ask Registry to give this order to authorities today itself," the judges said orally.

    Saini seeks 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 is 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 states.

    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.

    "We will serve notice to learned ASG. Let copy of this order be served to ASG and standing counsel civil GNCTD," the Court ordered today.

    Title: Rakesh Kumar Saini v. Union of India & Anr

    Nupur Thapliyal

    Nupur Thapliyal

    Nupur Thapliyal is a Principal Correspondent with LiveLaw, based in New Delhi. She reports from the Delhi High Court and trial courts in the national capital

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