Delhi High Court to Hear PIL Seeking Force-Feeding of Sonam Wangchuk Amid Fears He May Survive Only Days More

 

 As climate activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk completed the 18th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, the Delhi High Court is set to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking urgent medical intervention, including hospitalisation and force-feeding, amid growing concerns that his condition has become life-threatening.

The petition, filed by advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini, urges the Centre and the Delhi government to immediately shift Wangchuk to a government hospital and provide life-saving treatment, arguing that his rapidly deteriorating health cannot be ignored. The plea specifically seeks directions for doctors to administer essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals through a liquid diet if necessary to preserve his life.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia is scheduled to hear the matter after concerns were raised that the activist's prolonged fast could prove fatal if urgent intervention is delayed. The court had earlier deferred the hearing due to the ongoing work abstention by the Delhi High Court Bar Association.

The legal move comes as Wangchuk's supporters warn that his health has reached a critical stage. Protest organisers claim he has lost nearly 9 kilograms since beginning his fast on June 28, with doctors monitoring him round the clock. Activists backing the protest have described the situation as a potential “matter of national shame” if the government allows a globally respected educator and innovator to die without initiating dialogue.

The hunger strike, launched in support of students protesting alleged irregularities in NEET 2026 and concerns over CBSE’s on-screen marking system, has drawn backing from leaders across the political spectrum. While AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal is expected to meet Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar, opposition leaders including Mahua Moitra, Kirti Azad, Shashi Tharoor, Akhilesh Yadav and others have urged the Centre to engage with the activist before the crisis deepens.

Even as political parties trade accusations over the protest, the focus has increasingly shifted to Wangchuk’s health. Several public figures, including actors, writers and activists, have appealed to him to end his fast, while simultaneously demanding that the government open channels of communication.

With Parliament's Monsoon Session approaching and protesters planning a march to Parliament on July 20, Thursday’s hearing could prove crucial in determining whether the state can intervene medically to save Wangchuk's life while balancing his right to protest.