Lawyers' Body Chief Urges Wangchuk to End Fast

The President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, met activist Sonam Wangchuk Wednesday at his hunger strike site at Jantar Mantar to request his release from the fast in connection with the alleged examinations irregularities, which include the NEET paper leak.

Wangchuk, a former engineer and now educationist, and who has inspired the character of '3 Idiots', has been on a fast since June 28 to join the fight of the Cockroach Janta Party for the resignation of Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan.

“India Doesn't Need You To Die”

Singh had written to Wangchuk in an open letter that the nation needed him “alive, working and leading the nation from the front” instead of as a martyr to a “broken system. Shaking the conscience of this country is a long journey," Singh wrote, "and it takes time—time means being here with us.

Singh also took a dig at the political establishment in general. He said that the time is gone when leaders or ministers took moral responsibility and when they had to step down because of the impact of their actions on the lives of many. He added that "the institutions are ruining millions of young lives, and those in power are showing absolutely no shame and responsibility.

A worsening situation for health

Since he started his fast, Wangchuk has lost over 9 kg and his doctor says that extended fasting may cause complications to his multiple organs. In a Public Interest Litigation filed for his urgent medical treatment, the Delhi High Court directed that his life be monitored daily saying that “life of any citizen is precious.”

The government doctors were monitoring Wangchuk and if he needed any kind of medical attention, it would be done in a timely manner, said Solicitor General Tushar Mehta before the court.

Political and Civil Society Response

It was the 19th day of the protest and various visitors and appeals have come. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said "politics should not come at the cost of humanity and compassion."

The Samajwadi party chief Akhilesh Yadav and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal have also asked Wangchuk to lift the fast, while Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal reminded him that "many more battles" would be there "which need his leadership".

Protesters have now demanded the resignation of Pradhan due to the 2026 NEET-UG paper leak and other examination irregularities, along with ₹1 crore compensation to the families of those students who had committed suicide after allegedly facing unfair treatment in the exams. The Cockroach Janta Party has announced a one day solidarity hunger strike across the country and is making a march to the Parliament on July 20 on the opening of the Monsoon Session.

Why It Matters

The episode has turned out to be a rare and sustained act of civil disobedience against the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the last twelve years, and has put to the test the institutions ranging from the judiciary to the bar, when a public health crisis collides with a long-term political deadlock.