Education reformer and environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk has reached a critical stage in his indefinite hunger strike, prompting an urgent intervention from the Delhi High Court. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed before the court has warned that the 59-year-old activist’s health has deteriorated rapidly and claims he may not survive without immediate medical treatment.
The case has intensified public concern as Wangchuk’s protest entered its 18th day on July 15, 2026, with supporters, public figures and legal experts calling for swift action to protect his life while respecting his democratic right to protest.
PIL Warns of Imminent Health Risk
The urgent petition, filed by advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini, states that Sonam Wangchuk has reportedly lost around 8.5 kilograms since beginning his indefinite fast on June 28, 2026. According to the plea, his prolonged refusal to consume food has placed him at serious risk of organ failure, and it warns that his condition could become fatal within days if medical intervention is delayed.
The petitioner argued that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right in a democracy, authorities cannot remain passive when a person’s life is in immediate danger. The PIL seeks directions from the Delhi High Court to ensure Wangchuk is admitted to a government hospital, where he can receive essential nutrition, vitamins and minerals through medical supervision, including liquid nourishment if necessary.
Plea Criticises Government’s Response
The petition also questions the response of both the Central Government and the Delhi administration, alleging that they have shown insufficient urgency in addressing the situation.
According to the plea, failing to take preventive steps despite knowing the seriousness of Wangchuk’s condition would amount to negligence toward the protection of a citizen’s life. The petitioner urged the court to intervene before the activist’s health reaches an irreversible stage.
Why Is Sonam Wangchuk Protesting?
Sonam Wangchuk launched his indefinite hunger strike to support a protest demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examinations.
The movement, backed by the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party, has called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging repeated paper leaks and serious concerns regarding the integrity of the medical entrance examination. Wangchuk has maintained that reforms are necessary to restore students’ faith in the country’s examination system.
Delhi High Court Takes Up the Matter
The matter was placed before a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia. Although the court acknowledged the urgency of the plea, the hearing was deferred until July 16 because no representative from the Union Government was present. The absence was linked to an ongoing work abstention by the Delhi High Court Bar Association.
The bench directed the court registry to immediately communicate the order to the concerned government authorities so that they could be present with instructions during the next hearing.
Public Support Continues to Grow
As Wangchuk’s health continues to decline, support for the activist has grown across the country. Several prominent personalities have appealed for immediate dialogue and a peaceful resolution.
Among them is actor Omi Vaidya, widely known for portraying “Chatur” in the blockbuster film 3 Idiots, a character inspired by the educational world in which Wangchuk gained national recognition. Vaidya publicly appealed to authorities, urging them not to let the activist’s life be endangered.
The unfolding legal battle now places the spotlight on balancing an individual’s right to peaceful protest with the state’s responsibility to safeguard life. With the Delhi High Court set to hear the matter urgently, all eyes will remain on the proceedings and the steps authorities take in response to Wangchuk’s worsening health.
