Activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police from New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday after spending nearly three weeks on an indefinite hunger strike that began on June 28. Police said the action was carried out in compliance with directions of the Delhi High Court and on the advice of a medical team, which warned that the 59-year-old’s health had deteriorated significantly due to prolonged fasting.
Wangchuk had joined a youth-led protest demanding greater accountability over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak controversy, and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. While authorities maintained that the decision was taken solely to protect his health, some protesters alleged that activists were detained and the demonstration was forcibly dispersed.
The developments have reignited discussions around the balance between safeguarding public health and protecting citizens’ democratic right to peaceful protest.
Police Say Hospitalisation Was Necessary
Delhi Police said Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital after doctors advised immediate medical intervention owing to his deteriorating condition. In an official statement, the police said the action was taken “as per the orders of the Hon’ble Delhi High Court and on expert medical advice,” emphasising that ensuring the activist’s well-being was their primary concern.
The move followed directions from the Delhi High Court earlier this week, which had instructed authorities to closely monitor Wangchuk’s health and provide appropriate medical care if his condition worsened. The Centre had assured the court that a medical team was conducting regular examinations and keeping track of his vital signs. Following the police action, some members of the protesting group claimed that demonstrators were removed from the site and several activists were detained.
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that he was among those detained during the operation, while other protesters accused police of using force to clear the protest venue. Authorities, however, maintained that the intervention was guided by legal and medical considerations rather than an attempt to suppress the protest.
As per orders of Hon’ble High Court and on expert medical advise due to the deteriorating health condition of Sh. Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care.
— DCP New Delhi (@DCPNewDelhi) July 18, 2026
While complying with the orders of Hon’ble High Court the protestors tried to create…
Protest Focused On Examination Reforms
Wangchuk, widely recognised for his work in education, sustainability and innovation, joined the indefinite hunger strike on June 28 in solidarity with members of the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party, who have been protesting at Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.
The protest has focused on demands for greater transparency and accountability in India’s examination system, particularly following allegations surrounding the NEET paper leak and other recruitment and entrance examination controversies. Protesters have also called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, arguing that stronger institutional accountability is needed to restore public confidence in the country’s education system. Concern over Wangchuk’s health prompted the filing of a public interest litigation before the Delhi High Court, seeking urgent medical intervention.
During the hearings, the court acknowledged both his constitutional right to protest and the state’s responsibility to safeguard life, directing authorities to ensure continuous medical supervision throughout the fast. The case has drawn attention from civil society groups, education activists and students, with many viewing it as a wider conversation about public accountability, democratic participation and the need for credible examination reforms.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Peaceful protest has long been an essential part of India’s democratic tradition, offering citizens a platform to voice concerns and seek accountability from public institutions. At the same time, governments have a duty to protect human life, particularly when a protester’s health reaches a critical stage.
Also Read: Over 60 US Senators Back Bill Seeking 100% Tariffs On India, Four Other Nations Over Russian Oil
