Sonam Wangchuk Will End Hunger Strike, Says Wife, But Sets Condition

Sonam Wangchuk is willing to end his hunger strike if political leaders assure Parliament will debate education accountability, says his wife.

Delhi High Court refused interim relief on Gitanjali Angmo's plea to shift Sonam Wangchuk to a private hospital.

Source : ANI

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is willing to end his hunger strike on Monday if political leaders meet him and assure that the issue of education accountability will be raised during Parliament's Monsoon Session, his wife Dr Gitanjali Angmo said on Sunday. Her statement came hours after the Delhi High Court refused to interfere with Wangchuk's treatment at Safdarjung Hospital, holding that the government's decision to shift him from the Jantar Mantar protest site could not be termed arbitrary.

Offer To End Fast

Speaking ahead of the proposed 'Chalo Parliament' march, Angmo said Wangchuk would end his fast if political leaders committed to raising the issue of education accountability in Parliament during the Monsoon Session.

Wangchuk will end fast tomorrow if political leaders meet him, assure to raise education accountability in Monsoon Session: Gitanjali Angmo. pic.twitter.com/8SYc7vjE0W

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 19, 2026

Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike since June 28, demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and student suicides linked to the cancellation of the paper. He was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital by the Delhi Police on Saturday after 21 days of fasting.

HC Backs Medical Care

In a special hearing on Sunday, the Delhi High Court declined to grant interim relief on Angmo's plea seeking permission to transfer Wangchuk to a private hospital. Justice Mini Pushkarna observed that the government's decision to move the activist to Safdarjung Hospital was based on his medical condition and therefore could not be described as arbitrary.

The court noted that doctors at Safdarjung Hospital were closely monitoring Wangchuk and that only oral fluids, potassium chloride and sugar-free oral rehydration solution had been administered with his consent. It said there was no evidence that force was being used or that his bodily autonomy had been violated.

The court also observed that Wangchuk's wife and close family members had been granted round-the-clock access at the hospital, with accommodation provided for them. Notices were issued to the Centre, Delhi Police and Safdarjung Hospital, directing them to file responses within three days. The matter will next be heard on July 24.

During the hearing, the Centre said Wangchuk's medical condition required close monitoring and assured the court that his medical reports would be shared with his wife. Angmo, however, reiterated that she had lost confidence in Safdarjung Hospital and sought permission to shift him to a private facility, arguing that Wangchuk should be free to receive treatment at a hospital of his choice.