A petition has been submitted to the Delhi High Court demanding the forced feeding of activist Sonam Wangchuk, as his hunger strike has reached its eighteenth day. The petition requests urgent directives to the Centre and the Delhi government to transfer the activist to a government hospital amid growing concern over the deterioration of his health during the indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
The petition, filed by activist lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini, emerged against the backdrop of organizers' statements that Sonam Wangchuk has lost about 8.5 kg of weight. According to the submitted petition, Wangchuk's condition has significantly worsened, and there is a risk of his death within two days if the fast continues. Immediate judicial intervention was strongly urged, as saving his life is of paramount importance.
The petition emphasized that if he dies, it will bring great shame to the country and the world. PIL accused the government of failing in its duty to care for the activist, asserting that authorities treated Wangchuk 'like a rabid criminal, terrorist, or traitor to the nation' and 'did not care about him at all.' The petition insisted that officials are obligated to provide him with medical care, even against his wishes, if necessary.
The document argued that a simple measure would be his transfer to a government hospital and the forced administration of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in the form of liquid diet, vital for human survival. While peaceful protests and hunger strikes are recognized as democratic rights, the petition stressed the constitutional duty of the state to protect the life and health of every citizen. Furthermore, it pointed out that allowing Wangchuk's condition to deteriorate without intervention would be considered a failure of the government's constitutional and public duties. Citing provisions regarding incitement to suicide in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the petition contended that authorities cannot remain passive when a person's life is in immediate danger.
The PIL was filed with a request for urgent consideration, which could lead to a hearing in the Delhi High Court on Tuesday. However, it remains unclear whether the case will be heard after the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) called for a strike on July 15th in protest against the proposed increase in pecuniary jurisdiction—that is, the monetary limit of cases that district courts can hear—from 2 crore to 10 crore.
Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28th following his joining the protests organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar. This campaign demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET and other competitive examinations. Organizers reported that Wangchuk has lost about 8.5 kg since the start of the fast, intensifying concerns for his health.
Several opposition leaders have also called on Wangchuk to end the fast while supporting the issues they have raised. Earlier, Arundhati Roy, actors Nasiruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, and economist Jayati Ghosh appealed to him to conclude the hunger strike, expressing support for his demands.
Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk stated on Friday that his hunger has stabilized after thirteen days of abstaining from food. He also emphasized that his constitutional right to peaceful protest should not be violated by attempts to remove him from the protest site.
Wangchuk is undertaking an indefinite fast at Jantkar Mantar in support of the protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). This party demands the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to alleged irregularities in examinations. The protest entered its twenty-first day on Friday.
Speaking to journalists, Wangchuk noted that he is managing the prolonged fast. He reported feeling normal on the thirteenth day, and his appetite has stabilized. He admitted that the first few days are difficult due to the body's adaptation to fasting, and although he feels some fatigue, he is generally fine.
He shared that he has lost both fat and muscle mass but remains energetic. Wangchuk added that his bones are beginning to show, but he continues to feel vigorous. When asked about possible government intervention if his health deteriorates, he insisted that he is participating in the protest voluntarily and there is no basis for his removal.
He stressed that any removal would be a violation of his rights. Wangchuk reminded that they are conducting a peaceful protest, and the state of democracy and the world is under close scrutiny. He stated that the right to peaceful protest is enshrined in Article 19, and he hopes it will be respected.
Wangchuk continued his fast in support of students demanding accountability regarding education. He also called on the Centre to resolve pending issues concerning Ladakh, noting that the Monsoon Session is an appropriate time for a final decision on these matters.
Referring to student suicides linked to the cancellation of the NEET-UG exam in May, Wangchuk explained that the goal of the protest is to prevent such tragedies in the future. He mentioned that 20 students committed suicide, and he fears the number could rise to 40 or 80 next year.
He also suggested that accepting the resignation of the Education Minister would help the government restore youth trust. Wangchuk believes that the current anger among young people could have negative political consequences, and therefore, the resignation must occur before Parliament convenes.
CJP representative Ashutosh Ranka reported that Wangchuk has lost about 7.5 kg since the start of the fast, and that his blood sugar levels have remained consistently low. However, Ranka also noted that Wangchuk's energy is declining over time, and he is experiencing significant weakness while walking and difficulty speaking, which is a worsening situation. The CJP medical team is monitoring him, and they hope for a prompt response from the government.
Ranka reiterated his organization's demands, including the resignation of Pradhan and compensation of 1 crore rupees to the families of students who allegedly committed suicide. He added that the government has not initiated a dialogue with the protesters, and if there is no response, CJP will proceed with the planned march to Parliament on July 20. The protest began on June 20 due to alleged examination irregularities, and Wangchuk joined the action on June 28 and has been fasting since then.
Abidjit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party, reported on Saturday that Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for six days demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, has lost over five kilograms.
In a video address, Dipke stated that Wangchuk underwent a medical examination which showed a further decrease in his blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Dipke appealed to the government to take action against Dharmendra Pradhan, adding that Sonam Wangchuk announced he would continue the hunger strike until the government takes action against this minister.
Furthermore, Dipke urged citizens to visit Janthar Mantar to support Wangchuk. He emphasized that even if people cannot do much, they can show solidarity with Sonam Sar, as he is risking his life for students, and the least they can do is be with him at Janthar Mantar.
The protest reached its fourteenth day after receiving support from several political leaders and civil society representatives last week. Those who supported it included CPI(M) General Secretary M A Baby, senior CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, CPI General Secretary D Raja, CPI(ML) Liberation General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, social activist Yogendra Yadav, Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan, CPI leader Annie Raja, transparency activist Anjali Bhardwaj, RTI activist Nikhil Dey, and TMC MP Sagarika Ghose.
The CJP action began on June 20 due to alleged irregularities in the examination system, including NEET. Protesters continue to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Dipke also noted that this campaign will raise other issues related to accountability, including electoral matters such as Special Intensive Review (SIR) of electoral lists.
It is also worth noting that six students associated with the left-leaning All India Students' Association (AISA) continued their indefinite hunger strike from a separate tribune at the protest site.
Abidjit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party, provided an update on the health of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. He noted that Wangchuk has lost two kilograms.
This message was posted on the social network X. The hunger strike is now in its fourth day, and supporters are expressing concern over the activist's deteriorating condition. In his post, Dipke wrote: 'Good morning from Janthar Mantar. Day four. Medical update on @Wangchuk66: Sonam sir has lost 2 kg since starting the fast. His blood pressure is constantly dropping.'
Despite physical exhaustion, Wangchuk continued his protest, drawing supporters, activists, and citizens to Janthar Mantar. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike at Janthar Mantar on Sunday in support of the CJP protest, which demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to alleged irregularities in conducting examinations.
On Sunday, hundreds of protesters, mainly students and youth, gathered at Janthar Mantar when Sonam Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike. Several farmers' leaders also joined the demonstration, initiating it with a two-minute moment of silence.
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) started its protest at Janthar Mantar on June 20, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amid allegations of examination irregularities. During the protest, Abidjit Dipke stated that this issue goes beyond a single exam and reflects deeper concerns regarding transparency, accountability, and public trust in the education system. The action has received support from students, farmers, and civil society members participating in rallies at Janthar Mantar.
