Sonam Wangchuk Health Update: Climate activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk is currently under medical observation after his health condition raised concerns during his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. As of the latest reports, Wangchuk has lost more than 9 kg of body weight after 19 days of fasting. Doctors monitoring him said he remains conscious and mentally alert, but his condition requires continuous supervision.
According to his doctor, Wangchuk’s weight dropped to around 56.65 kg, with a reduction of about 500 grams in 24 hours. His health parameters were being regularly checked, including blood sugar, pulse rate and blood pressure.
Delhi High Court Orders Daily Medical Check-Ups for Sonam Wangchuk Amid Hunger Strike
The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Central government to ensure that environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk undergoes a daily medical examination by government doctors while continuing his hunger strike. The court also instructed authorities to provide immediate medical intervention if his health condition worsens.
Wangchuk, 59, has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 as part of a protest organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). The protest is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and broader reforms to the country’s examination system.
Why Did the Delhi High Court Order Daily Medical Monitoring for Sonam Wangchuk?
A bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia observed that every citizen’s life is valuable and directed the authorities to ensure Wangchuk’s health is monitored every day. The court said, “While noticing the assurances given by the solicitor general we observe that life of citizens is precious and all medical attempts must be made by the government authorities to appreciate the same and we direct that medical condition of Wangchuk shall be regularly monitored on daily basis and depending on the opinion of doctors, whatever medical intervention is required be taken, considering his deteriorating condition. The petition is disposed of.”
What Did the Petition Seek in the Sonam Wangchuk Case?
The High Court was hearing a petition filed by advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini, who sought directions to the Centre and the Delhi government to shift Wangchuk to a hospital and provide him with medical treatment. The petition also requested that force-feeding be considered if medically necessary. According to the plea, Wangchuk’s health has deteriorated significantly during the hunger strike, and he has reportedly lost around 8.5 kilograms. It warned that continuing the fast without medical intervention could put his life at serious risk. The petition further stated, “If he passes away, it would be a matter of great shame for the country and the world.”
Sonam Wangchuk Health Update: Centre Assures Delhi High Court of Daily Medical Care
Representing the Central government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that government doctors and medical experts would examine Wangchuk every day. He also informed the bench that if doctors found his condition worsening, necessary medical intervention would be provided immediately based on their professional assessment.
Opposition Leaders and Civil Society Appeal to Sonam Wangchuk
Wangchuk’s hunger strike has received widespread attention from opposition leaders and members of civil society. More than 1,800 academics, artists and activists, including Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Arundhati Roy, Nivedita Menon, Jean Drèze, Lalita Ramdas and Kavita Srivastava, signed a letter urging him to end his fast.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also appealed to Wangchuk in a post on X, saying:Â “His life is invaluable to the entire world because it embodies a commitment to humanity and the environment that is as profound as his commitment to democracy.”
Why Is Sonam Wangchuk on Hunger Strike?
Sonam Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 after joining the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protests against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest focuses on alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and seeks greater accountability and reforms in India’s examination system. The CJP has been staging demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi since June 20, demanding the resignation of the Education Minister over alleged exam-related lapses, a fully transparent national examination framework, strict action against repeated paper leak incidents, and compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following such cases. Wangchuk’s participation in the indefinite fast has emerged as one of the key developments in the ongoing campaign for reforms in the country’s competitive examination process.
