Sonam Wangchuk Shifted to Hospital After Delhi High Court Order as Health Deteriorates During Hunger Strike
Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi on Saturday after his health deteriorated during the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. The move came following directions issued by the Delhi High Court, which had ordered continuous medical monitoring and authorised authorities to intervene if doctors considered hospitalization necessary in view of his worsening condition.
According to Delhi Police, Wangchuk was taken to the hospital early in the morning on the advice of the medical team monitoring his condition. Officials stated that the decision was made to safeguard his life after doctors expressed concern over the effects of prolonged fasting, including dehydration, significant weight loss and declining health parameters. Police maintained that the action was taken strictly in compliance with the High Court’s directions and medical opinion rather than as a measure to curtail the protest.
The Delhi High Court had earlier, while hearing a public interest petition concerning Wangchuk’s health, directed authorities to conduct daily medical examinations and ensure uninterrupted monitoring of his condition. The Court observed that any decision to shift him to a hospital or administer medical treatment should be guided by professional medical advice, balancing the activist’s personal autonomy with the State’s constitutional obligation to preserve life.
Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since 28 June, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in national entrance examinations, including NEET. His protest, organised in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has attracted widespread public attention and generated significant support on social media, where students and activists have called for greater accountability and reforms in India’s examination system.
The hospitalization has triggered strong reactions from supporters, who alleged that Wangchuk was removed from the protest site without adequate consultation and questioned the manner in which the police carried out the operation. Leaders associated with the protest accused the authorities of suppressing a peaceful democratic movement and announced that the agitation would continue despite Wangchuk’s hospitalization. In response, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke began his own indefinite hunger strike and reaffirmed plans for a protest march to Parliament.
Safdarjung Hospital later informed that Wangchuk is stable but remains physically weak due to prolonged fasting and requires continuous medical supervision. Doctors are closely monitoring his hydration levels, nutritional status and other vital health indicators while providing necessary treatment to stabilise his condition. Reports also indicate that members of his family have raised concerns regarding aspects of his medical care and consent during hospitalization.
The episode has intensified the national debate over the balance between an individual’s right to peaceful protest and the State’s duty to protect life. Legal experts note that while courts generally respect the autonomy of individuals engaged in hunger strikes, constitutional authorities also carry an obligation to intervene where there is an imminent threat to life. The Delhi High Court’s approach—requiring continuous medical monitoring while leaving intervention to expert medical advice—reflects an effort to reconcile these competing constitutional considerations.
