Delhi High Court Orders Protection for Sonam Wangchuk Amid Hunger Strike Over Exam Scandals

For 19 days, renowned activist Sonam Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, raising alarm across India. His protest, sparked by repeated exam paper leaks in the NEET medical entrance test, has now drawn the attention of the Delhi High Court, which issued strict directives to safeguard his life.

In a significant move, the Delhi High Court responded to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini by directing that renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since June 28, 2026, must undergo daily medical examinations conducted exclusively by government doctors.

The order underscores the court’s emphasis on safeguarding his health while respecting his right to peaceful protest.

Court’s Balanced Stand

The High Court ordered that government doctors must conduct daily health check‑ups and provide immediate medical assistance if his condition worsens. Importantly, the judges avoided coercive measures like force‑feeding, instead emphasizing continuous, independent monitoring to protect his democratic right to protest while ensuring his survival.

“The life of any citizen is precious,” the court declared, reaffirming Article 21 of the Constitution, the right to life and personal liberty.

The Spark Behind the Strike

Sonam Wangchuk, a 59‑year‑old education reformer and climate activist, has aligned himself with the “Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)” movement, which is demanding sweeping accountability in India’s education system.

Wangchuk’s fast isn’t just about one exam. It’s about restoring public trust in India’s education system. Protesters, under the banner of the so‑called Cockroach Janata Party, demand accountability, transparency in competitive exams, and most notably, the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following repeated examination paper leaks, most notably in the NEET medical entrance test.

The Health Risks

Doctors report Wangchuk has already lost nearly 9 kilograms, with signs of muscle wasting, dehydration, and potential organ damage. Prolonged fasting can lead to multi‑organ failure and even death, making the court’s intervention critical.

The Larger Picture

Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike, staged as a peaceful act of resistance, is not only a plea for transparency and reform but has also become a powerful symbol that has captured national attention and ignited widespread debate across the country.

This case highlights the delicate balance between democratic rights and state responsibility. Peaceful protest is a constitutional right, but the government also bears the duty to protect life. By mandating medical oversight without coercion, the High Court has set a precedent that respects both principles.