The Delhi High Court has directed authorities to conduct daily clinical health checks on climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Observing that "life of any citizen is precious", the court ordered regular medical monitoring and necessary medical intervention, before disposing of a PIL seeking urgent treatment.
Stay with us for verified live updates on Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike, his health, political developments, public support and the planned Parliament march.
According to The Guardian, Sonam Wangchuk has become visibly weaker after more than two weeks on hunger strike. The publication reported that he apologised to visitors, saying, "I'm sorry, but I'm unable to speak," as he conserved energy while continuing his protest. Doctors quoted by the newspaper said prolonged fasting had entered a dangerous stage, with concerns over severe starvation and possible organ complications if the fast continued.
LIVE UPDATES
17 July 2026
12:45 PM IST | Wangchuk vows to continue fast until July 20
Sonam Wangchuk said he would "stay alive till 20 July at any cost" as his hunger strike entered Day 20. Addressing supporters, he said he remained mentally strong despite his deteriorating health and urged people to join the planned Parliament march on 20 July.
16 July 2026
5:05 PM IST | Sonakshi Sinha urges accountability over students' future
Actor Sonakshi Sinha has extended her support to Sonam Wangchuk and the Cockroach Janta Party through a social media post. Sharing a video on Instagram, she urged the government to ensure accountability over alleged examination irregularities and questioned "when is it going to be enough?" while expressing concern over Wangchuk's deteriorating health.
4:50 PM IST | Dimple Yadav meets Sonam Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar
Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav visited Jantar Mantar on Thursday to meet Sonam Wangchuk, joining several political leaders who have met the activist during his ongoing hunger strike.
3:45 PM IST | Omar Abdullah urges Centre to show 'humanity and compassion'
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concern over Sonam Wangchuk's deteriorating health and urged the Centre to appeal to him to end his hunger strike. He said politics should not come at the cost of "humanity and compassion" and noted that Wangchuk had lost around 9 kg during the fast.
3:32 PM IST | Supreme Court Bar Association chief appeals to Wangchuk to end fast
Supreme Court Bar Association President and Senior Advocate Dr Vikas Singh has urged Sonam Wangchuk to call off his hunger strike. In a letter, Singh said, "India does not need you to die for a broken system. We need you to be alive, working and leading us from the front," while asking him to preserve his strength for the longer fight ahead.
2:45 PM IST | Rakesh Tikait to meet Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar
Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said he would visit Jantar Mantar later on Thursday to meet Sonam Wangchuk. He alleged that the government had not shown sufficient seriousness despite the activist being on an indefinite hunger strike for 19 days.
2:34 PM IST | Centre says government doctors will monitor Wangchuk daily
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Delhi High Court that Sonam Wangchuk's health would be monitored daily by government doctors and medical experts. He said any medical intervention required, based on doctors' assessment of Wangchuk's condition, would be provided promptly.
2:15 PM IST | Atul Kulkarni observes one-day fast in support of Wangchuk
Actor Atul Kulkarni has begun a one-day hunger strike in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk. In a social media post, he said he wanted to understand the pain of Wangchuk and other protesters while urging the government to respond to their concerns.
1:35 PM IST | Doctors warn of possible organ complications
Doctors monitoring Sonam Wangchuk said he has lost more than 9 kg since beginning his hunger strike. His attending physician, Dr Satish Lamba, warned that if the fast continues, it could progress to a stage involving multiple-organ complications, although Wangchuk remains under close medical observation.
12:40 PM IST | Centre tells Delhi High Court Wangchuk is being monitored
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, told the Delhi High Court that Wangchuk's health is being regularly monitored by government doctors and medical experts. He also said appropriate medical intervention would be provided if doctors considered it necessary.
11:47 AM IST | Delhi High Court disposes of PIL
The Delhi High Court has disposed of the Public Interest Litigation seeking urgent medical intervention for Sonam Wangchuk after directing authorities to carry out daily medical monitoring and provide medical aid whenever required. The Bench observed that "life is precious" while issuing its directions.
11:40 AM IST | Doctors say Wangchuk has lost over 9 kg
Doctors monitoring Sonam Wangchuk said he has lost more than 9 kg since beginning his indefinite hunger strike. According to the latest medical bulletin, his blood sugar is 80 mg/dL, pulse rate is 72 beats per minute and hydration remains fair. Doctors, however, have warned that prolonged fasting could eventually affect his organs if it continues.
11:35 AsM IST | Kejriwal expected to visit Jantar Mantar
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is expected to visit Jantar Mantar later today to meet Sonam Wangchuk. Security has been tightened around the protest site ahead of the visit, with additional police personnel and paramilitary forces deployed in the area.
11:15 AM IST | Delhi High Court orders daily medical monitoring for Sonam Wangchuk
The Delhi High Court has directed that Sonam Wangchuk's health be clinically monitored every day while he continues his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. Disposing of the petition, the Bench observed that "life of any citizen is precious" and said all necessary medical intervention should be provided whenever required.
11:11 AM IST | Delhi High Court disposes of PIL
After issuing directions for regular medical monitoring, the Delhi High Court disposed of the Public Interest Litigation seeking urgent medical intervention for Wangchuk.
11:10 AM IST | Court says 'Life is precious'
While dictating its order, the Bench observed that every effort should be made to protect the life of a citizen. It directed authorities to carry out daily clinical monitoring of Wangchuk's condition and provide any medical treatment required based on his health status.
10:45 AM IST | Delhi High Court hears PIL on Wangchuk's health
The Delhi High Court is hearing a PIL seeking immediate medical intervention for Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since 28 June. The petition urges authorities to shift him to a government hospital and provide essential medical treatment, including nutritional support if required.
10:30 AM IST | Health concerns intensify as fast enters Day 19
Doctors monitoring Wangchuk have warned that prolonged fasting is entering a potentially dangerous stage. According to updates shared by organisers, he has lost nearly 9 kg since the protest began. Medical experts say extended fasting can increase the risk of organ damage if it continues without intervention.
10:15 AM IST | Wangchuk refuses to end his fast
Despite appeals from supporters and growing concern over his health, Wangchuk has reiterated that he will continue his hunger strike. He has questioned what would change if he ended the protest without any meaningful response from the authorities.
10:00 AM IST | Mass hunger strike planned in solidarity
Supporters have organised a one-day mass hunger strike at Jantar Mantar to express solidarity with Wangchuk. Several political leaders, activists and public figures are expected to visit the protest site during the day.
ALSO READ: Explained: Why The Jantar Mantar Protest Isn't Over And Why Sonam Wangchuk Is Still Fasting
Why is Sonam Wangchuk on hunger strike?
Sonam Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike on 28 June in support of demands linked to alleged irregularities in national competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak. He has called for accountability and sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the issue.
What happened in the Delhi High Court?
The Delhi High Court has directed authorities to conduct daily clinical health checks on Sonam Wangchuk and provide medical intervention whenever necessary before disposing of the PIL. Separately, the court has agreed to hear another petition on 20 July alleging intrusive surveillance of protesters at Jantar Mantar.
What is happening at Jantar Mantar?
According to The Guardian, supporters from across India, including students, parents and academics, continue to gather at Jantar Mantar in support of Wangchuk. The newspaper reported that many volunteers and organisers have also fallen ill while sustaining the prolonged protest.
Timeline
28 June: Sonam Wangchuk begins an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.
15 July: A PIL seeking medical intervention is filed before the Delhi High Court.
16 July: The hunger strike enters Day 19 as the Delhi High Court hears the matter and health concerns continue to mount.
17 July: Hunger strike enters Day 20. Wangchuk says he will "stay alive till 20 July at any cost" ahead of the planned Parliament march. The Delhi High Court also agrees to hear a fresh PIL on 20 July alleging intrusive surveillance of protesters at Jantar Mantar.
TL;DR | News At Glance
Why is Sonam Wangchuk on hunger strike?
He is protesting over alleged irregularities in national competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak, and has demanded accountability from the government.
Where is Sonam Wangchuk protesting?
He has been holding his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi since 28 June.
How many days has the hunger strike lasted?
As of 17 July 2026, Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike has entered Day 20.
What did the Delhi High Court order today?
The Delhi High Court directed the Centre and the Delhi Government to ensure that Sonam Wangchuk's health is monitored daily. The court also directed authorities to provide medical aid whenever necessary before disposing of the PIL.
What is the Delhi High Court hearing about?
The court is hearing a PIL seeking urgent medical intervention, including hospitalisation and nutritional support, due to concerns over Wangchuk's deteriorating health.
What is Sonam Wangchuk's latest health update?
Organisers say he has lost nearly 9 kg since the hunger strike began. Doctors have warned that prolonged fasting could soon lead to serious medical complications if it continues. According to The Guardian, Wangchuk has become so weak that he told visitors, "I'm sorry, but I'm unable to speak," while conserving energy during the protest.
Has Sonam Wangchuk agreed to end his fast?
No. Despite repeated appeals from supporters and growing health concerns, Wangchuk has said he will continue the protest until there is a meaningful response to his demands.
Has the government responded?
The Centre told the Delhi High Court that government doctors are monitoring Wangchuk's health daily and that medical intervention will be provided whenever necessary. The court subsequently disposed of the PIL after directing authorities to continue daily monitoring.
ALSO READ: From Ladakh To Delhi: Every Time Sonam Wangchuk Went On Hunger Strike And What Happened Next
ALSO WATCH: https://www.brut.media/in/videos/how-long-will-sonam-wangchuk-s-hunger-strike-continue
