Sonam Wangchuk Hospitalised After 20-Day Hunger Strike as Health Worsens

New Delhi, July 2026 : Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to a hospital from Delhi’s Jantar Mantar early on Saturday after his health deteriorated following a 20-day indefinite hunger strike. The move was carried out in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court and on the advice of a team of medical experts monitoring his condition.

Police personnel reached the protest site during the morning and escorted Wangchuk to the hospital for immediate medical attention. The operation witnessed protests and sloganeering by activists of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the group spearheading the agitation demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

According to Delhi Police, the transfer was undertaken strictly in accordance with the High Court’s orders and after doctors advised urgent medical intervention due to Wangchuk’s rapidly declining health.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) said that Wangchuk had been admitted to hospital because of his worsening condition. The police added that while executing the court’s directions, some protesters attempted to obstruct the process, leading to brief commotion at the protest site. However, officials maintained that maximum restraint was exercised and the activist was shifted safely without any major incident. The police also appealed to demonstrators to peacefully vacate Jantar Mantar.

The development came ahead of a scheduled hearing in the Delhi High Court regarding Wangchuk’s medical condition. Earlier this week, the court had directed authorities to conduct daily clinical examinations of the activist, emphasising that the life of every citizen is precious and directing the Centre to ensure all necessary medical care to protect his health.

Doctors monitoring Wangchuk had expressed serious concern on Friday, describing his condition as a medical emergency. According to daily health bulletins, the 59-year-old activist had lost more than eight kilograms since beginning his indefinite fast nearly three weeks ago. Medical experts also warned of the growing risk of organ failure if the hunger strike continued without intervention.

Wangchuk began his fast demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination irregularities. The protest, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party, has also called for broader reforms in India’s education system, including greater transparency and accountability in national-level entrance examinations.

Over the past several days, a number of Opposition leaders visited Wangchuk at the protest site and urged him to end his hunger strike in view of his deteriorating health. Among those who met him were Congress leader Pawan Khera, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav, and Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal, all of whom appealed to him to prioritise his health while continuing the campaign through democratic means.

Meanwhile, organisers of the protest have announced plans for a march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the opening day of the Monsoon Session. They have appealed to Opposition parties and civil society groups to participate in the demonstration and support their demands for accountability and reforms in the country’s education system.

As Wangchuk remains under medical supervision, attention is expected to remain focused on both his health and the legal proceedings surrounding the ongoing protest.

Team Maverick.