Centre's First Response To Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike: ‘Will Provide Medical Care On Doctors' Advice’
Centre's First Response To Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike: ‘Will Provide Medical Care On Doctors' Advice’ Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 16:16 IST Taking
Centre's First Response To Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike: ‘Will Provide Medical Care On Doctors' Advice’ Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 16:16 IST Taking note of the Centre's submission, the Delhi High Court directed authorities to conduct daily clinical monitoring of Wangchuk's health. While beginning a hunger strike is not a criminal offence, authorities become involved when the protest begins posing a serious threat to the protester's life. Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike: The Centre on Thursday made its first response to educationist and activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike, assuring the Delhi High Court that it would provide any required medical intervention based on the assessment of government doctors monitoring his health. The government’s statement came as the High Court heard a petition seeking urgent medical care for the activist, who is on the 19th day of his hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination and the CBSE’s on-screen marking system. Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia that Wangchuk’s health was already being monitored by government doctors and medical experts. “Whatever medical assistance is required based on the doctor’s report can be given," Mehta told the court, assuring that any necessary intervention would be undertaken promptly.
At the outset of the hearing, Chief Justice Upadhyaya asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared for both the Centre and the Delhi government, whether there was a system in place to keep track of Wangchuk’s health. Taking note of the Centre’s submission, the Delhi High Court directed authorities to conduct daily clinical monitoring of Wangchuk’s health and provide medical treatment whenever required. “We observe that the life of any citizen is precious and all efforts ought to be made by government authorities to save the same," the Bench said, adding that it appreciated the Centre’s stand before disposing of the petition. The court noted that the PIL had expressed concern over Wangchuk’s health, stating that he had been on a fast for the last 17-18 days in connection with certain demands and that his condition had reportedly deteriorated. The court further emphasised the importance of safeguarding human life. The PIL was subsequently disposed of after recording the government’s assurance. The Cockroach Janta Party has been staging a protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and has called for a Parliament march on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon session.
The BriefWire