Delhi High Court entertained a PIL seeking urgent medical intervention for Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since June 28

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday agreed to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking urgent medical intervention for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since June 28.

The Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia entertained the petition filed by Advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini, who appeared in person through video conferencing.


The PIL seeks 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. The petition alleges complete governmental inaction despite the activist's deteriorating health.

Addressing the Bench, Saini submitted that the situation was "most unfortunate."

"Taking his own life before the entire nation"

"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," he argued.

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

Chief Justice Upadhyaya 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 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.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on Thursday, i.e. July 16. 

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 15, 2026

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