.png)
18 hours ago
6
Sonam Wangchuk and the CJP protest: A day before the proposed 'Chalo Sansad' march to Parliament, the Delhi High Court on Sunday refused to interfere with Sonam Wangchuk's hospitalisation, holding that the government was within its rights to shift the activist from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital based on medical advice. While Wangchuk's wife Gitanjali Angmo has said that if political leaders will meet him at the hospital, he will end his hunger strike.
At Jantar Mantar, Sonam Wangchuk's wife Gitanjali Angmo says, "Sonam will end his hunger strike tomorrow if political leaders meet him at hospital and assure him that they will raise the issue of education accountability during Parliament session."
The court also said that doctors would decide the future course of his treatment. Delhi Police reiterated that no permission had been granted for Monday's Parliament march. Undeterred, Wangchuk, through a message from the hospital, urged supporters to make the march a 'big success', describing it as India's 'second freedom movement'.
Why is Sonam Wangchuk protesting?
Wangchuk has joined the CJP-led movement in June in support of students demanding accountability from the government and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination paper leaks, particularly NEET, and broader reforms in India's examination system.
Here's the key demands raised by the movement:
- Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- Accountability for alleged paper leaks.
- Structural reforms in recruitment and entrance examinations.
- Compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following examination-related distress.
The movement has grown significantly on social media and has held continuous demonstrations at Jantar Mantar.
Hunger strike enters a critical phase
Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, saying it was a peaceful protest in solidarity with students.
As the fast continued, doctors warned that prolonged dehydration and nutritional deficiencies could lead to serious complications, including kidney damage. Medical reports cited dehydration, low potassium levels and rising ketone levels as significant concerns.
Delhi Police shifts Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital
Early on July 18, Delhi Police shifted Wangchuk from the protest site to VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital.
Police maintained that the move was necessary to provide essential medical treatment given his deteriorating condition and urged protesters to vacate the site.
Supporters, however, alleged that the activist had been removed against his wishes and described the action as an attempt to disrupt the protest.
What did Delhi High Court say?
The Delhi High Court has heard multiple petitions related to Wangchuk's health and hospitalisation.
Earlier, the court directed authorities to closely monitor his medical condition and intervene if doctors considered it necessary, emphasising that decisions should be based on medical advice.
On July 19, the High Court also declined to interfere with the government's decision to shift Wangchuk to hospital, observing that authorities were within their rights to move him for medical treatment given concerns about his health.
Sonam Wangchuk's health update
According to VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, Wangchuk remains stable, but continues to require sustained medical intervention and close monitoring after his prolonged fast.
Doctors have said continuous observation remains essential because of the health risks associated with the hunger strike.
Wangchuk's first message from hospital
Despite being hospitalised, Wangchuk released a message urging supporters to continue the movement.
He appealed to people to make the proposed Parliament march a success and described the campaign as a fight for "freedom from fear" and "freedom from injustice." In another message, he referred to the movement as India's "second freedom movement."
Parliament march scheduled for July 20
The CJP has announced a 'Chalo Sansad' march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the beginning of the Monsoon Session.
However, Delhi Police has stated that:
- No permission has been sought or granted for such a march.
- Any unauthorised gathering in New Delhi district may attract legal action because of security arrangements around Parliament.
India’s Gen Z ‘cockroaches’ took protest to the streets
What began as a student-led movement has now drawn support from actors, activists, farmers, teachers and thousands of young people from across the country. Over the past few days, crowds have continued to gather at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, with many travelling from different states to express solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Protesters have described the movement as a fight for accountability in India's education system and have pledged to continue peaceful demonstrations despite police restrictions.
The protest has also received support from several prominent personalities. On Sunday, veteran actor Shabana Azmi visited the protest site at Jantar Mantar and met hunger-striking protesters, while actor Prakash Raj joined demonstrators in a show of solidarity ahead of the Parliament march. Actor Omi Vaidya, best known for 3 Idiots, also publicly backed Wangchuk.
Sonam Wangchuk and the CJP protestTimeline of key events
| Development | |
| June 2026 | Sonam Wangchuk joins the CJP movement supporting students demanding accountability over examination paper leaks. |
| Late June | Begins indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. |
| Mid-July | Delhi High Court hears petitions over his health and asks authorities to act if his condition worsens based on medical advice. |
| July 18 | Delhi Police shifts Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital citing medical necessity. |
| July 19 | Hospital says Wangchuk is stable but requires close monitoring. |
| July 19 | Delhi High Court says the government was within its rights to move him to hospital. |
| July 19 | Wangchuk issues message from hospital urging supporters to make the Parliament march successful. |
| July 20 (scheduled) | CJP plans 'Chalo Sansad' march despite Delhi Police denying permission. |
English (US) ·