Sonam Wangchuk: PIL Filed in Delhi HC Seeks Immediate Medical Aid for Wangchuk as Hunger Strike Enters Day 18

Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike at Jantar Mantar entered its 18th day on Wednesday, July 15. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Delhi High Court seeking immediate medical treatment and life saving intervention for Wangchuk. The petition has urged the Central and Delhi governments to ensure that he receives urgent medical care.

Is Sonam Wangchuk's life at risk?

According to the petition, Wangchuk has lost nearly 8.25 kg during his hunger strike. He is reportedly suffering from persistent dizziness, severe muscle weakness, and fatigue. Referring to a newspaper report published on July 14, the petition says that if the fast continues, it could pose a serious threat to his life.

The petitioner has requested an urgent hearing in the matter and has asked the court to intervene immediately to prevent further deterioration in Wangchuk's health.

Who filed the PIL?

The PIL was filed by Rakesh Kumar Saini, a 68-year-old social activist and lawyer with over 43 years of legal experience. Appearing before the Delhi High Court via video conference, he argued in support of Sonam Wangchuk and told the court that a citizen was risking his life while the government remained a silent spectator.

Taking note of the seriousness of the PIL, a bench headed by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya issued notices to the Central and Delhi governments, directing them to file their responses by July 16.

Wangchuk loses 400 grams in 24 hours

A post shared on the official X account of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) showed Wangchuk needing the assistance of two to three people even to get up from a chair.

Another post shared Wangchuk's health bulletin, which stated that his weight was 57.15 kg. According to the bulletin, he lost 400 grams in the last 24 hours, while his blood pressure was recorded at 105/76 mmHg.

The CJP protest has also entered its 26th day, with the party continuing to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Sonam Wangchuk's previous hunger strikes

In September 2025, Sonam Wangchuk observed a 15-day hunger strike in Leh, demanding full statehood for Ladakh. During the protest, he was also taken into custody.

Earlier, in October 2024, he staged a 16-day hunger strike at Ladakh Bhawan in Delhi in support of Ladakh's democratic demands. The protest ended after assurances were given by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

In March 2024, Wangchuk undertook a historic 21-day "Climate Fast" in Leh to protect Ladakh's fragile environment and tribal identity. During the fast, he survived only on water and salt despite subzero temperatures.

Before that, in January 2023, he observed a 5-day symbolic fast in the snow-covered mountains of Khardung La to draw global attention to Ladakh's glaciers and its fragile ecosystem.