The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought responses from the Central and Delhi governments on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking urgent intervention to safeguard the health of climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar for the past 18 days.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia issued notices to both governments after the matter was mentioned for urgent hearing. The petition, filed by activist-lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini, has been listed for further hearing on Thursday.

PIL Raises Concern Over Deteriorating Health

According to the petition, Wangchuk has lost around 8.25 kilograms since beginning his indefinite fast and is reportedly experiencing recurrent episodes of low blood sugar, dizziness, severe weakness and muscle loss.

The plea warns that his condition is deteriorating rapidly and urges immediate intervention to protect his life while respecting his democratic right to protest.

The court has sought responses from the Centre and the Delhi government before taking further action in the matter.

Fast Linked to Education and Ladakh Demands

Wangchuk began the indefinite hunger strike on June 28 after claiming that the Centre did not respond to his demands within the deadline he had set.

His key demands include the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh through Sixth Schedule status and full statehood.

Earlier, Wangchuk had indicated that discussions with the Centre on Ladakh-related issues had shown progress and suggested that the remaining issues could be resolved during the Monsoon Session if the government initiated dialogue.

According to organisers, Wangchuk has been consuming only water and salt during the fast.

Support Grows for Protest

Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced a one-day mass hunger strike on July 16 in solidarity with Wangchuk and students supporting the protest.

CJP founder Abhijit Dipke shared an appeal attributed to Wangchuk, stating that instead of urging him to end the fast, people should ask the government why dialogue has not begun.

The protest at Jantar Mantar has continued to draw supporters from civil society, student organisations and activists.

History of Similar Protests

Wangchuk has previously undertaken several hunger strikes and protest marches demanding constitutional protections for Ladakh.

His past campaigns include an eight-day fast in Leh in 2023, the 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra' in 2024, another hunger strike in Delhi later that year, and a 35-day fast in 2025.

Following protests in Leh in September 2025, Wangchuk was arrested under the National Security Act and remained in custody for nearly six months before being released in March 2026.

Court to Hear Matter Again

With concerns mounting over Wangchuk's health, the Delhi High Court is expected to hear the matter again on Thursday after receiving preliminary responses from the governments.

The outcome of the hearing could determine whether any immediate medical or administrative intervention is directed while the protest continues.