Activist Sonam Wangchuk entered the 19th day [1] of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Thursday.
The protest highlights growing public anger over alleged leaks in the NEET examination papers. Because the exam is a primary gateway for medical education in India, the integrity of the process remains a flashpoint for student and educator unrest.
Wangchuk's physical condition has deteriorated. Doctors said that his health has entered a critical stage and the next phase could be alarming [3]. Reports indicate he has lost over nine kg [2] during the course of his fast.
Due to this decline, the Delhi High Court scheduled a hearing on a petition seeking urgent medical intervention [4]. The plea specifically addresses the possibility of force-feeding to prevent further health failure [4].
Political figures have moved to support the activist. Arvind Kejriwal, chief of the Aam Aadmi Party, and Dimple Yadav, a Member of Parliament for the Samajwadi Party, visited Jantar Mantar to extend their support [1].
The hunger strike began as a demand for accountability regarding the examination leaks. While political leaders have expressed solidarity, the legal focus has shifted toward the immediate preservation of Wangchuk's life as his medical state becomes perilous [2].
“Wangchuk's health condition has entered critical stage”
The involvement of the Delhi High Court signals that the activist's health has reached a threshold where the state may prioritize life preservation over the right to protest. By combining a high-stakes educational scandal with a life-threatening hunger strike, Wangchuk has elevated a policy dispute into a humanitarian and legal crisis that forces the judiciary to balance individual agency against medical necessity.
