A team of doctors is continuously examining Sonam Wangchuk during the hunger strike.
Today is the 19th day of social activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike unto death. The Delhi High Court will hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed regarding his deteriorating health today. The petition demands that the Centre and Delhi government be directed to admit Wangchuk to a hospital and provide force-feeding if necessary.
Wangchuk has been participating in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement at Jantar Mantar since June 28. He is on an indefinite hunger strike demanding reforms in the examination system, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over irregularities in the NEET examination.
The bench of Delhi High Court Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Kariya could not conduct the hearing on Wednesday due to the absence of the government side. Considering the seriousness of the matter, the court listed it for Thursday and sought responses from the Centre and Delhi government on the case.
3 pictures of Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike
Doctors are continuously monitoring Sonam Wangchuk’s health at Jantar Mantar.
Due to weakness, Wangchuk was unable to sit up by himself. CJP Founder Abhijit Dipke and the doctor helped him sit up by providing support.
Sonam Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike for the past 18 days, consuming only water.
Lost 8.9 kg weight in 18 days
According to CJP, Wangchuk has lost 8.9 kg weight in 18 days of fasting, bringing it down to 57.15 kg. The party says that Wangchuk’s condition remains critical.
On Wednesday, his blood pressure was recorded at 105/76, blood sugar at 80 mg/dL and oxygen level at 97%. According to doctors, he is fully conscious, but the continuous hunger strike is having a serious impact on his health.
Petition demands emergency treatment for Wangchuk
- Petitioner Rakesh Kumar Saini has said that if the hunger strike continues, Wangchuk’s life could be in danger in the next few days. Wangchuk should be immediately provided emergency treatment, life-saving care and necessary nutrition.
- The petition states that the government’s inaction is concerning and no citizen can be allowed to voluntarily die of hunger. The government should initiate dialogue on the issues related to their movement.
- The court has been requested that the government should hold talks with Wangchuk and if necessary, permission for force-feeding should be given. The petition also states that hunger strike is a right to peaceful protest, but saving a citizen’s life is also the government’s responsibility.
Abhijit Dipke said- Government’s attitude is cruel
CJP alleged that Wangchuk, who raised his voice for students, has received only silence from the government. CJP founder Abhijit Dipke said that the government is avoiding accountability and its attitude is cruel.
Cockroach Janata Party has called for a one-day collective hunger strike on July 16. Meanwhile, a “Chalo Sansad” march has also been announced for July 20. Cockroach Janata Party’s demand is that the examination system should be made transparent, action should be taken against those responsible for paper leaks, and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should be removed from his post.
American Hindu organization appealed to PM Modi
The US-based organization Hindus for Human Rights has also expressed concern over Wangchuk’s health. The organization has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold talks with the protesters, give concrete answers to their demands, and establish accountability in the examination system.
Wangchuk spent 170 days in jail over demand for statehood for Ladakh
Sonam Wangchuk, who was agitating for the demand to grant full statehood to Ladakh, spent 170 days in Jodhpur jail. During his hunger strike, violence occurred in Leh on September 24, 2025, in which 4 people died and 90 were injured.
The government accused Wangchuk of inciting violence. Two days later, on September 26, he was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and sent to Jodhpur jail.
Irom Sharmila remained on hunger strike against AFSPA for 16 years
In the country, many leaders and social workers have previously undertaken long hunger strikes for their demands. From Mahatma Gandhi to G.D. Agrawal, many people have resorted to fasting. The record for the longest hunger strike is in the name of Irom Sharmila.
Irom Sharmila had undertaken a hunger strike for approximately 16 years (2000-2016) demanding the removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Manipur. During this period, she was kept alive through liquid nutrition via the nose (force-feeding).
Effects on other body parts after staying hungry for more than 3 weeks
