As Sonam Wangchuk enters his 19th day of a hunger strike in the heart of Delhi, the Indian judiciary has stepped in to ensure his well-being. A two-judge bench at the Delhi High Court recently issued a directive requiring authorities to closely monitor the 59-year-old activist's health. This legal intervention empowers officials to step in and transfer him to a medical facility should his physical condition reach a critical state, marking the first time the court has formally engaged with the ongoing protest.

Wangchuk is fasting in support of the Cockroach Janta Party, which is advocating for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following widespread exam paper leaks that impacted millions of students. Despite having lost over 9 kilograms since the start of his fast, medical personnel on-site report that he remains mentally sharp and determined to continue until his demands are addressed. The court’s decision arrives just before a planned July 20 march to parliament, where protesters intend to push for significant educational reforms and accountability.