Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike: Delhi HC PIL Seeks Directions To Shift Him To Govt Hospital, Force-Feed Him
A PIL was filed before the Delhi High Court seeking urgent medical intervention for Sonam Wangchuk, alleging government inaction as his hunger strike entered a critical stage
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Delhi High Court seeking urgent judicial intervention to protect the life and health of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, since June 28, 2026.
The petition has been filed by Advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini, a 68-year-old advocate who has been practicing for over 43 years and claims to have been associated with several public interest litigations concerning human rights and public causes.
The PIL seeks directions to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government of NCT of Delhi to immediately provide Wangchuk with necessary medical treatment and initiate dialogue with him regarding his demands for special status for Ladakh.
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: Delhi High Court (hearing expected)