Hearing in Delhi High Court regarding Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger strike; Court seeks response from Centre and Delhi government

July 15, 2026

On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court acknowledged the urgency of activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike and sought a response from the Centre and the Delhi government by Thursday morning.

The High Court conducted this hearing in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding immediate medical facilities and treatment for Wangchuk.

Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar for the past 18 days to protest against the NEET paper leak and irregularities in examinations. His condition is steadily deteriorating; he has lost 8.50 kg in weight.

Demand for emergency treatment in the petition

The government should immediately provide Sonam Wangchuk with emergency treatment, life-saving care, and necessary nutrition. Additionally, the government should initiate a dialogue regarding the issues linked to his protest.

Since the start of the hunger strike, Sonam Wangchuk has lost approximately 8.25 kg. He is suffering from issues such as low blood sugar, dizziness, extreme weakness, and muscle weakness.

The government cannot remain silent when a person’s life is at risk. While a hunger strike is a form of peaceful protest, saving a citizen’s life is also the government’s responsibility.

CJP protest; demand for Education Minister’s resignation

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has been protesting at Jantar Mantar since June 20 against the NEET paper leak. They are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Sonam Wangchuk has also joined their movement. The CJP was formed after Chief Justice Surya Kant compared unemployed youth to cockroaches.

Tharoor appeals to Wangchuk to end the fast

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor wrote on social media: “I make an emotional appeal to Sonam Wangchuk-ji to end his fast. You have shaken the conscience of the nation, and that is the very purpose of any hunger strike. The country needs your voice for the long battle ahead.”

“The Parliament session begins on Monday. We will have the opportunity to raise the students’ issues on the highest platform of democracy.” These issues should be resolved in Parliament, not through a hunger strike that puts someone’s life at risk. Please accept my appeal.