Delhi Police take Sonam Wangchuk into custody amid massive security deployment at Jantar Mantar

New Delhi: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to a hospital by Delhi Police on Saturday after completing 20 days of an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. The move came amid growing concerns over his health and days after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Delhi High Court seeking urgent medical intervention.

Delhi Police shift Wangchuk to hospital

Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on June 28, demanding action on issues he raised with the Centre and seeking dialogue with the government. As his fast entered its 20th day, concerns mounted over his deteriorating health, prompting Delhi Police to shift him to hospital.

Wangchuk joined the Cockroach Janta Party's protest at Jantar Mantar on June 28, where he began an indefinite hunger strike in support of demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a judicial probe into alleged NEET and other examination irregularities, and comprehensive reforms to India's examination system. The protest also sought greater accountability for student welfare amid concerns over examination-related stress and reported student suicides.

PIL sought urgent medical treatment

On July 15, advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini filed a PIL before the Delhi High Court seeking immediate directions to the Union Government and the Delhi Government to provide life-saving medical treatment to Wangchuk.

The petition argued that Wangchuk's health had reached a critical stage and requested urgent judicial intervention to prevent irreversible harm. It also urged the authorities to initiate discussions with the activist over the issues raised during his protest while ensuring his life was protected.

Health reportedly deteriorated during fast

According to the PIL, Wangchuk had lost around 8.25 kilograms since beginning his hunger strike. The petition stated that he had suffered repeated episodes of low blood sugar, dizziness, severe muscle loss and extreme weakness.

Citing media reports, the plea claimed that his condition had worsened to the point where his life could be at serious risk if the indefinite fast continued without medical intervention.

The PIL argued that while peaceful protest and hunger strikes are protected democratic rights, the State has a constitutional obligation to safeguard the life and health of every citizen.

The petitioner contended that allowing Wangchuk's health to deteriorate without intervention would amount to a failure of the government's constitutional and public responsibilities. It also referred to provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to abetment of suicide, arguing that authorities cannot remain passive when a person's life is in imminent danger.

Relief sought before the High Court

The petition requested the Delhi High Court to direct the authorities to provide immediate medical treatment to Wangchuk, begin meaningful dialogue over the issues raised during his protest, and, if necessary, administer essential liquid nutrition, proteins, vitamins and other medical support to prevent further deterioration in his condition.

However, the hearing on the PIL was remaining uncertain after the Delhi High Court Bar Association announced an abstention from work on July 15 in protest against the proposed increase in the pecuniary jurisdiction of district courts from ₹2 crore to ₹10 crore.

According to Delhi Police, Wangchuk was shifted to hospital in compliance with the Delhi High Court's directions and on the advice of medical experts due to his deteriorating health. In an official statement, the police said that some protesters attempted to obstruct the exercise while the court's orders were being carried out, leading to a brief commotion. However, it said personnel exercised maximum restraint and completed the transfer safely. The police also appealed to the remaining protesters at Jantar Mantar to vacate the protest site peacefully at the earliest.

What happens next?

With Wangchuk now hospitalised, attention is expected to shift to his medical condition and whether his hunger strike continues under medical supervision. The Delhi High Court is also expected to decide on the PIL seeking urgent directions once the matter is taken up.