Delhi HC Directs Government Doctor to Monitor Sonam Wangchuk as Hunger Strike Enters Day 19; Raj Thackeray Targets Centre

July 16, 2026

New Delhi/Mumbai: The Delhi High Court has directed that a government doctor should regularly monitor the health condition of climate activist and education reformist Sonam Wangchuk, whose indefinite hunger strike entered its 19th day on Thursday.

The court’s direction came amid growing concerns over Wangchuk’s health during his ongoing protest. The activist has been fasting over issues related to Ladakh’s demands and reforms in the examination system.

सोनम वांगचुक यांच्या उपोषणाचा हा आजचा १९ वा दिवस. त्यांच्या तब्येतीच्या ज्या बातम्या ऐकू येत आहेत किंवा जी दृश्य खासकरून सोशल मीडियावर दिसत आहेत ती निश्चितच काळजीत टाकणारी आहेत. हे म्हणायला प्रचंड वाईट वाटतंय की सरकारने सोनम वांगचुक यांचा आणि पर्यायाने या देशातील आंदोलनाची म्हणून… pic.twitter.com/cOD5Z4KSaR

— Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) July 16, 2026

Delhi HC Seeks Medical Monitoring of Wangchuk’s Health

The High Court ordered that a government medical professional should keep track of Wangchuk’s health condition during the hunger strike.

The development comes as supporters and political leaders have raised concerns over the impact of the prolonged fast on the activist’s health.

Wangchuk, known for his work in education, innovation and climate awareness, has been leading the protest demanding attention towards issues affecting Ladakh and wider public concerns.

Raj Thackeray Accuses Centre of Ignoring Public Movement

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led central government over Wangchuk’s hunger strike.

In a post on X, Thackeray alleged that the government was ignoring a legitimate public movement while focusing on political interests.

Expressing concern over Wangchuk’s health, he accused the Centre of undermining democratic dissent and questioned the government’s response to public protests.

“It feels utterly awful to say that the government has decided to sacrifice Sonam Wangchuk — and by extension, a movement that represents a voice for this country,” Thackeray said.

MNS Chief Raises Questions Over Ladakh Demands

Thackeray highlighted the changing relationship between the BJP and Wangchuk, stating that the activist was once appreciated by the party for his expertise in areas such as renewable energy.

He alleged that despite initial support for Ladakh receiving Union Territory status, several demands including statehood, additional representation, and protection of land rights remained unresolved.

Thackeray claimed that repeated assurances from the Centre had not resulted in concrete action on these issues.

Thackeray Links Protest to NEET and Examination Concerns

The MNS chief also raised concerns over the ongoing examination-related issues, including allegations of irregularities in competitive exams.

He supported Wangchuk’s demand for reforms in the examination system and called for accountability over issues affecting students.

Thackeray referred to past examination controversies, including the Vyapam scam and recent allegations linked to national-level entrance exams and recruitment tests.

‘This Is a Social Issue, Not Political’: Thackeray

Appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Thackeray said the concerns raised by students and parents should not be viewed through a political lens.

“This isn’t a political issue. This is a social one,” he said, adding that students and families across political backgrounds had faced difficulties due to examination-related problems.

The Delhi High Court’s direction and Thackeray’s remarks come as Wangchuk’s hunger strike continues to draw attention from political leaders, activists and supporters.

Also Read: