Delhi HC To Hear Plea Seeking Force-Feeding Of Sonam Wangchuk; Kejriwal To Visit Jantar Mantar
Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike Day 19: Delhi HC Raises Health Concerns, Says 'Human Life Is Precious' Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 11:31 IST
Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike Day 19: Delhi HC Raises Health Concerns, Says 'Human Life Is Precious' Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 11:31 IST Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike for NEET irregularities enters day 19. Delhi HC to hear PIL on his health. Political leaders urge him to end fast. Rapid Read According to the latest medical update, Wangchuk's blood pressure stood at 107/70 mmHg, while his blood glucose level was recorded at 67 mg/dL. (Photo: X) Climate activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk entered the 19th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on Thursday, with concerns growing over his health. While hearing the plea, the Delhi High Court ordered regular medical check-ups of Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. “We would like him to be regularly examined by government doctors. If the doctors feel any medical intervention is required, appropriate steps should be taken. Every life is precious," the Court observed. Wangchuk joined the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest on June 28, which began on June 19, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Meanwhile, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is also scheduled to visit the protest site amid increased security arrangements. Plea Before Court A bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia agreed to take up the PIL on Thursday after postponing the hearing on Wednesday due to the absence of counsel for the authorities amid the Delhi High Court Bar Association’s work abstention.
The court directed that copies of its order be served on the concerned Additional Solicitor General and the Delhi government’s counsel. The petition, filed by Rakesh Kumar Saini, sought immediate medical assistance for Wangchuk and urged authorities to initiate dialogue with him. It also requested directions for medical treatment, including force-feeding if necessary, arguing that the state could not allow a citizen to “voluntarily die of hunger". The PIL stated that peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right and alleged that government inaction could amount to abetment of suicide. Wangchuk’s Health Under Monitoring In a video message released on Wednesday night, Wangchuk acknowledged that his health had deteriorated but said he remained determined. “I’m not in good shape but not so bad either," he said, while asking supporters not to urge him to end his fast and instead participate in the CJP’s planned “Chalo Sansad" march on July 20. According to the latest medical bulletin issued by the CJP, the 59-year-old activist is “very weak" and under round-the-clock medical observation. His weight has fallen to 57.15 kg, a drop of nearly 8.9 kg since the start of the fast, including 400 grams in the past 24 hours. Doctors said his blood pressure was 105/76 mmHg, blood sugar level was 80 mg/dL, and oxygen saturation was 97 per cent. He remains conscious and mentally alert but requires continuous monitoring.
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