Delhi High Court disposed of the PIL on Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike after the Centre assured daily medical monitoring and necessary intervention

The Delhi High Court on Thursday disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking urgent medical intervention for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since June 28, after recording the Centre's assurance that his health would be monitored daily by government doctors and that immediate medical intervention would be provided whenever required.

The Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia observed that "life of any citizen is precious and all medical efforts ought to be made by the government authorities to save it."


The PIL, filed by Advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini, had sought directions to the Union Government and the Government of NCT of Delhi to provide immediate medical treatment to Wangchuk, initiate dialogue with him and take necessary steps to protect his life, alleging governmental inaction despite his prolonged fast.

Appearing for the petitioner through video conferencing, Saini pressed for urgent intervention in view of Wangchuk's deteriorating health.

Appearing for both the Union and the Delhi Government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, informed the Court that Wangchuk's health was already being checked on a daily basis and that all relevant medical parameters were being monitored.

The Bench asked whether there existed a mechanism to regularly monitor Wangchuk's health.

Responding, Mehta submitted that daily medical check-ups were already being conducted and assured the Court that if it so desired, a government medical team would continue carrying out regular examinations.

The Court observed that it wanted Wangchuk's health to be regularly monitored by government doctors, with appropriate medical intervention being undertaken depending upon the doctors' assessment.

Chief Justice Upadhyaya remarked, "Every life is precious."

Echoing the Court's concern, the Solicitor General responded, "Absolutely! Every life is precious, My Lord." He assured the Bench that whatever medical assistance was required, based on the opinion of government doctors, would be promptly provided.

Recording the assurance, the High Court directed that Wangchuk's medical condition be clinically monitored on a daily basis by government doctors and experts, and that all necessary medical assistance and intervention be extended immediately if his condition so warranted.

In view of the assurance and directions, the Court disposed of the PIL.

Previous hearing

"A social activist, while exercising his fundamental right to protest against a widely criticised government Act, is virtually taking his own life before the entire nation," the petitioner appearing in person had argued.

Noting the absence of representation from the Union Government, the Bench decided to entertain the plea.

Chief Justice Upadhyaya had observed: "Nobody appears for the Union. We are entertaining your petition. We will hear it tomorrow and require the Union to obtain instructions."

The Court had directed that notice be served upon the learned Additional Solicitor General (ASG) for the Union of India as well as the Standing Counsel (Civil) for the Delhi Government.

What the plea seeks

According to the petition, Wangchuk's health has deteriorated significantly during the course of the hunger strike. Relying on recent media reports, the petitioner claims that Wangchuk has lost over 8 kilograms and faces life-threatening health complications if the fast continues.

Alleging governmental inaction, the petition states that despite the prolonged hunger strike, no meaningful effort has been made by the authorities to engage with Wangchuk or address the issues raised by him.

The petitioner contends that while peaceful protest and hunger strikes are protected democratic rights, the State has a corresponding constitutional obligation to safeguard the life and health of citizens. It argues that allowing a protester to continue an indefinite fast without adequate medical intervention would amount to a failure of that constitutional duty.

Seeking immediate relief, the PIL urges the High Court to direct the authorities to provide comprehensive medical care to Wangchuk and, if necessary, shift him to a government hospital where he may be administered essential nutrients, proteins, vitamins and liquid diet under medical supervision to prevent irreversible harm.

The petition further invokes Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, contending that continued governmental inaction despite knowledge of Wangchuk's deteriorating condition could amount to abetment of suicide.

The petitioner has prayed for directions to the Centre and the Delhi Government to immediately ensure proper medical assistance, arrest the deterioration of Wangchuk's health, engage in dialogue with him, and take all necessary steps to preserve his life.

Case Title: Rakesh Kumar Saini v. Union of India & Anr.

Bench: Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia

Hearing Date: July 16, 2026

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