Delhi HC orders daily medical monitoring of Sonam Wangchuk amid indefinite hunger strike

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (July 16, 2026) directed the Center and the Delhi government to ensure that the medical condition of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is monitored on a daily basis “clinically and otherwise” and any medical intervention required to address her deteriorating health is provided immediately.

A division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Karia passed the direction while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking immediate intervention to protect the health of Mr Wangchuk as he continues his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.

During the hearing, the bench asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta whether any mechanism was in place to monitor Mr Wangchuk’s health.

“Mr. Solicitor, is there any mechanism in place to check the health condition of this person?” The court asked.

Responding to the question, Mr Mehta said Mr Wangchuk’s health check-up is done daily.

The court said it wanted the activist to be “regularly medically examined by government doctors” and directed that authorities intervene whenever doctors deemed medical treatment necessary.

“He [Solicitor General Mehta] The court is further assured that based on the opinion of the doctors, whatever medical intervention is required to check the deteriorating health condition of Mr. Wangchuk will also be taken,” the court recorded in its order.

The bench further said, “Taking note of the assurances given by the Solicitor General, we simply hold that the life of any citizen is precious and efforts must be made by the government authorities to save it.” With this order the court closed the PIL.

The petition was filed by lawyer and social activist Rakesh Kumar Saini, who argued that Mr Wangchuk’s health had deteriorated after fasting for several days and sought immediate judicial intervention to save his life.

Mr. Saini relied on The Hindu report published on July 14, titled, “Fasting students admitted to hospital, Wangchuk loses 8.25 kg weight as strike continues”, to argue that Mr. Wangchuk needed immediate medical attention.

Mr Wangchuk is on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since June 28 demanding action on issues related to the country’s education system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The petition argued that the government cannot remain a passive spectator, arguing that failure to intervene could amount to “abetment of suicide” under Section 108 of the Indian Justice Code, 2023.

It urged authorities to provide immediate medical attention to Mr Wangchuk, “even if forced to do so to ensure his good health and save his life.”

The petition further suggested that the worker be shifted to a government hospital and given the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals for survival through a liquid diet, if necessary.