Delhi High Court Orders Daily Health Monitoring for Activist Sonam Wangchuk

New Delhi, India Jul 16, 2026 ALN: New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed authorities to monitor on a daily basis the health of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar here, and extend medical aid if needed.

A bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia asserted that life was precious and said Wangchuk’s condition should be regularly checked by government doctors. This decision underscores the judiciary's role in safeguarding the health and well-being of individuals, especially those engaged in protests or hunger strikes, which can pose serious health risks over time.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the Centre as well as the Delhi government, submitted that life of every individual was precious and there was no objection to undertaking Wangchuk’s regular medical checkup. This statement reflects a growing recognition of the responsibilities of the state in ensuring the health of citizens, particularly those who are exercising their rights to protest. The Solicitor General's remarks indicate a willingness to cooperate with the court's directives, which may help in maintaining a balance between the right to protest and the duty to protect life.

“We observe that life of any citizen is precious and all efforts ought to be made by government authorities to save the same,” the court said. This declaration emphasizes the court's commitment to uphold fundamental rights, including the right to life, which is enshrined in the Constitution of India. The court's intervention is particularly significant in the context of increasing protests across the country, where activists often resort to hunger strikes as a means of drawing attention to their causes.

“We appreciate the stand taken by the Solicitor General and direct that Wangchuk’s medical condition shall be monitored on a daily basis and whatever medical intervention is required shall be taken,” it ordered. The court's order is not just a response to Wangchuk's current situation but also serves as a precedent for future cases involving activists and their health during protests. It sends a clear message that while the right to protest is protected, it should not come at the cost of an individual's health and well-being.

The court passed the order on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) raising concern over Wangchuk’s health. PILs have become an important tool in India for addressing issues of public concern, allowing citizens to seek judicial intervention in matters that affect the public at large. The involvement of the judiciary in this case highlights the importance of ensuring that the voices of activists are heard while also safeguarding their physical well-being.

The Cockroach Janta Party has been holding a protest for over 25 days demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. The NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a highly competitive examination that determines admission to medical colleges across India. Allegations of irregularities in such a critical examination can lead to widespread public outcry, as the stakes are exceptionally high for students and their families. Protests over educational policies and examination fairness have become increasingly common in India, reflecting broader societal concerns about transparency and accountability in governance.

Wangchuk joined the agitation on June 28 and has been on an indefinite fast since then. His decision to undertake a hunger strike is indicative of the severity with which he views the issues at hand. Hunger strikes have historically been used as a form of non-violent protest to draw attention to social, political, and environmental issues. Wangchuk, known for his advocacy on environmental issues and education reform, has leveraged his platform to highlight what he perceives as systemic failures in the education system, particularly regarding fairness in examinations.

The implications of this court order extend beyond just Wangchuk's health. It raises critical questions about the rights of protesters, the responsibilities of the state in monitoring health during protests, and the broader societal implications of hunger strikes as a form of activism. As protests continue to be a vital part of democratic expression, ensuring the health and safety of individuals engaged in such activities becomes paramount. The court's proactive stance may encourage other activists to pursue their causes while being assured that their health will be monitored and protected by the authorities.

Moreover, this incident sheds light on the relationship between the government and civil society. The willingness of the Solicitor General to agree to the court's directives may signal a shift towards a more collaborative approach in handling protests and public dissent. It reflects an understanding that while the government must maintain order, it also has an obligation to respect the rights of individuals to express their grievances, particularly in a democratic society.

As the situation unfolds, the health of Sonam Wangchuk will be closely monitored, and the response from the government and the public will likely influence future protests and the methods employed by activists. The court's involvement in this matter could also pave the way for more legal scrutiny of how protests are managed and the health implications of prolonged demonstrations, particularly those involving hunger strikes.

In conclusion, the Delhi High Court's order for daily health monitoring of activist Sonam Wangchuk during his indefinite fast is a significant development in the intersection of health, law, and activism. It highlights the need for a balanced approach that respects the right to protest while ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals taking part in such activities. As the nation continues to grapple with issues of governance, transparency, and accountability, the outcome of this case may serve as a crucial reference point for future activism and legal interventions in India.