Delhi HC directs 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 daily “clinical and other” monitoring of the medical condition of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and immediate provision of any necessary medical attention to her deteriorating health.

Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia passed the order while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking urgent intervention to protect the health of Mr Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.

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

“Mr. Lawyer, is there a mechanism to check the health status of this person?” the court asked.

Responding to the question, Mr. Mehta stated that Mr. Wangchuk undergoes daily medical check-ups.

The court observed that the activist requested “regular medical examination by government doctors” and ordered authorities to intervene in cases where doctors deemed medical treatment necessary.

“HE [Solicitor General Mehta] “It also assures the court that, based on the opinion of the doctors, any medical intervention will also be applied to control Mr. Wangchuk’s deteriorating health condition,” the court noted in its ruling.

The Bench further observed: “While taking into account the assurances given by the Attorney General, we only observe that the life of any citizen is precious and the government authorities must make efforts to save it.” With this order, the court closed the PIL.

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

Mr. Saini relied on a July 14 Hindu report titled “Fasting Student Hospitalized, Wangchuk loses 8.25kg as strike continues” to claim that Mr. Wangchuk needed urgent medical attention.

Mr Wangchuk has been 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 argues that the government cannot remain a passive spectator and failure to intervene could amount to “incitement to suicide” under Article 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

He called on authorities to immediately provide medical assistance to Mr. Wangchuk, “even by force, to ensure his good health and save his life.”

The defense also suggested that the activist be transferred to a public hospital and, if necessary, given the nutrients, vitamins and minerals necessary for survival through a liquid diet.