Delhi HC directs daily medical monitoring of Sonam Wangchuk amid indefinite hunger strike
The Delhi High Court has ordered the government to ensure daily medical monitoring for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently on an indefinite hunger strike. The court emphasized the state's responsibility to protect the life of its citizens while closing the public interest litigation.
Why it matters
This case underscores the judiciary's role in balancing the right to protest with the state's duty to provide medical care to citizens in vulnerable health conditions.
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (July 16, 2026) directed the Centre and the Delhi government to ensure that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ’s medical condition is “clinically and otherwise” monitored on a daily basis and that any medical intervention required to address his deteriorating health is promptly provided.
A Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia passed the direction while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking urgent intervention to safeguard Mr. Wangchuk’s health as he continues his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.
During the hearing, the Bench asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta whether any mechanism was in place to monitor Mr. Wangchuk’s health.
“Mr. Solicitor, is there any mechanism in place to check the health condition of this person?” the court asked.
Responding to the query, Mr. Mehta submitted that Mr. Wangchuk undergoes a daily health check-up.
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