Sonam Wangchuk with his wife Gitanjali J. Angmo, on the 20th day of his indefinite hunger strike as part of the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest (Photo: ANI).
Hearing a plea filed by Sonam Wangchuk’s partner, Gitanjali J Angmo, the Delhi High said, “Government action to move Sonam Wangchuk to hospital not arbitrary.” Justice Mini Pushkarna added that “Wangchuk will cooperate.” “It is to be noted that ultimate decision with regard to the medical condition of Wangchuk would be monitored by medical team which shall take decision as per the medical protocol. The court also records that the medical reports shall be shared with his family members. The plea was filed asking to shift him to a private health facility from Safdarjung Hospital.
Sonam Wangchuk calls protest ‘second freedom movement’: Activist Sonam Wangchuk has called for a march to Parliament on July 20, describing it as India’s ‘second freedom movement’. He sent this message through his wife and requested protestors to make it a ‘big success.’ Meanwhile, Cockroach Janta Party’s spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka claimed that 30-40 people associated with the BJP and Delhi Police had allegedly infiltrated the protest site to create disruption. The group alleged that attempts could be made to make “anti-India provocative statements” and urged supporters to identify and reject such individuals, saying they were not supporters of CJP or activist Sonam Wangchuk.
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Delhi Police says CJP never obtained permission: Delhi Police is closely monitoring developments at Jantar Mantar after Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) chief Abhijeet Dipke and Sonam Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali Angmo appealed to people to gather at the site for a march towards Parliament on Monday, the first day of the Monsoon Session.Police officials said CJP protesters have neither received permission to continue their protest at Jantar Mantar nor applied for approval to hold the march. The party has been demanding the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and is on a protest for the last 29 days. Abhijeet Dipke, who is on second day of his indefinite hunger strike also sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resignation and said it would go ahead with its planned march to Parliament on July 20.
Live Updates
Jul 19, 2026 05:13 PM IST
Crowd has doubled at Jantar Mantar, says CJP
In a post on X, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) said, “the crowd and support of people has doubled at Jantar Mantar.”
Jul 19, 2026 04:46 PM IST
Security amped up in Delhi
Security has been further intensified across New Delhi ahead of the Monsoon session of Parliament and the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed “Chalo Sansad” march, PTI reported.
The Delhi Police has deployed additional personnel, strengthened barricading and is conducting intensive vehicle checks at key entry points, sources said on Sunday.
Police sources mentioned that the CJP has not obtained permission for the proposed march. “We are determined not to allow any unauthorised march towards the high-security zone,” they said.
Jul 19, 2026 04:03 PM IST
‘Medical team to take decision on Wangchuk as per medical protocol’
Justice Pushkarna added that Sonam Wangchuk “will cooperate.”
“It is to be noted that ultimate decision with regard to the medical condition of Wangchuk would be monitored by medical team which shall take decision as per the medical protocol. The court also records that the medical reports shall be shared with his family members,” Justice Pushkarna added.
Jul 19, 2026 03:51 PM IST
Delhi HC says government action not arbitrary, refuses to pass interim orders
Justice Mini Pushkarna refuses to pass any interim orders. “This court is of the view that since the government has taken the decision to shift Mr Wangchuk to the hospital on account of his medical condition, this court does not find the same as an arbitrary action. Further, since doctors at the Safdarjung Hospital are closely mnitoring health of Wangchuk and has only administered oral drops without consent, it cannot be said that any force is being used against Wangchuk or his bodily autonomy is being violated in any manner.”
“However considering that Wangchuk in his own volition did not check himself into any facility in view of his deteriorating condition, govt was within its right to take such actiona and as already stated in July 16 order that every life is precious and should be taken care of.”
Jul 19, 2026 03:45 PM IST
Hospital refused to give us timely sample, that broke our trust: Angmo
Complaining of the constant police presence in the hospital, Gitanjali J Angmo says, “They (the police) are constantly eavesdropping.”
“It is not a joke to put someone on IV when he doesn’t need it,. Why is there discrepancy in potassium level? (Between private testing lab results versus Safdarjung Hospital’s result)” Angmo asks.
“They refused to give us timely sample and that broke our trust and that’s why we want to go elsewhere,” says Angmo.
“We are going to shift him with discharge against medical advice,” Angmo says while interrupting Justice Pushkarna as she commenced dictating her order.
Jul 19, 2026 03:38 PM IST
Sibal questions government’s insistence on keeping him in hospital without ‘detention’ order
Kapil Sibal questions the Centre’s insistence on keeping him in a government hospital without a ‘detention’ order. “My contention is without any detention order, I want a person to remain in a government hospital? I’m entitled to a doctor and hospital of my choice. If the government is so concerned, please associate yourself (with the treating team of Wangchuk’s choice)…so this concern will be taken care of that government doctors will be there…what is the impediment there? What is the government’s problem with that (of a hospital my choice)?”
Jul 19, 2026 03:35 PM IST
‘Tried talking Wangchuk into taking IV fluids but he’s refusing it’
Dr Akshay Kumar, additional professor in dept of emergency medicine at AIIMS New Delhi updates the court on Sonam Wangchuk’s condition.
“He started some oral fluids, and he started in the evening taking potassium oral fluids since that was low, and he had ORS, although we wanted him to take normal ORS. We tried continuously to talk to him to take IV fluids but he is refusing it.”
Dr Kumar added, “He needs to take vitamins, we start with thymine…but we cannot give him that since he is not allowing IV access. Some of his parameters are borderline, like potassium.”
“Sugar levels also has been on the lower side of normal, between 65 and 75…recent blood gas report shows ketosis beause he is breaking down fats to ketones that means he is dehydrated which means he needs carbohydrates with potassium. That is if we wishes to get better.”
Jul 19, 2026 03:27 PM IST
Wangchuk has to cooperate with attending doctors, says ASG Sharma
ASG Sharma says: “They have absolutely no reason for any sort or manner of doubt in remotest possible corner of their brain… he has to cooperate with the attending doctors and also what the (division bench in its July 15 order) has categorically observed.”
Opposing Angmo’s prayer to allow legal access to Wangchuk, ASG Sharma says, “this is a hospital, not a courtroom, what kind of prayer is this? It befuddles me.”
Jul 19, 2026 03:18 PM IST
Delhi HC questions ‘urgent need’ to take Wangchuk to hospital
Justice Mini Pushkarna inquires from the government, being represented by ASG Chetan Sharma, “Some compelling circumstances that you took him to the hospital, any urgent need?”
ASG Chetan Sharma responds, “Yes, his deteriorating condition.. this was 18th day of fasting and the weather which is humid can dehydrate…and this can lead to a syndrome called ketosis, I’m told. Upfront it may or may not reflect on the (blood) parameters (immediately) but later on in the cumulative deterioration or assessment of parameters, it can lead to something called septicemic shock…So this has to be patient-centric and all-round appreciation of the medical condition. We have not one but two doctors looking after him.”
Jul 19, 2026 03:14 PM IST
Petition filed by Gitanjali J Angmo
For context: Gitanjali J Angmo, in her petition, is seeking the court’s directions to declare Sonam Wangchuk’s continued confinement at Safdarjung Hospital as “unconstitutional” and to permit his immediate discharge and facilitate his transfer to a hospital or medical facility of his and Angmo’s choice.
Angmo has alleged that “taking undue advantage” of the Delhi HC’s July 18 order “as a colourable pretext” to remove Wangchuk from the protest site at Jantar Mantar “without free and informed consent” of Wangchuk.
Jul 19, 2026 03:12 PM IST
‘Allow us to avail treatment at our place of choice’
During the Delhi High Court hearing, Kapil Sibal says, “We’ll go to our own hospital…because he’s not under detention nor there is any offence (against him) that has been committed.”
Sibal says they’re seeking a limited relief that they be allowed to avail treatment at the place of their choice, which is at Medanta.
Jul 19, 2026 03:08 PM IST
Delhi HC hearing begins
The Delhi High Court begin hearing the petition by Sonam Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali Angmo, seeking his immediate discharge from Safdarjung Hospital, after alleging that he is being “illegally detained” at the hospital.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal is making submissions on behalf of Angmo.
Jul 19, 2026 02:11 PM IST
Delhi High Court agrees to urgently hear plea by Sonam Wangchuk’s wife
Delhi High Court agrees to urgently hear plea by Sonam Wangchuk’s wife to shift activist from Safdarjung Hospital to private facility. Sohini Ghosh reports that Justice Mini Pushkarna of Delhi High Court will hear Gitanjali Angmo’s petition at 2:30 pm in an urgent Sunday hearing. Wangchuk’s wife in her petition is seeking Sonam Wangchuk’s transfer from Safdarjung hospital to a private hospital and has said that he is being held in illegal detention. She had also addressed a letter earlier in the day to Delhi HC CJ DK Upadhyaya seeking that Wangchuk be immediately released from Safdarjung hospital, and permit him “unimpeded access to his legal counsel and to a hospital or medical facility of his and my choosing.”
Jul 19, 2026 02:00 PM IST
AAP MP Sanjay Singh submits notice to Rajya Sabha seeking discussion of alleged paper leaks on priority
Rajya Sabha MP and National Spokesperson for the Aam Aadmi Party Sanjay Singh said that he has submitted a notice under Rule 267 to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha seeking suspension of all other business of Parliament to discuss alleged paper leaks and the demands raised by activist Sonam Wangchuk.
Jul 19, 2026 01:56 PM IST
Safdarjung Hospital releases case summary of Sonam Wangchuk
VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital released a case summary of activist Sonam Wangchuk. It mentions detail of his admission. The summary said that Wangchuk, 59, was admitted at 7:40 am on July 18 after being brought by Delhi Police following his 20-day fast and complaints of general weakness. The hospital said Wangchuk was conscious at the time of admission, with stable pulse, blood pressure and oxygen saturation. Doctors observed mucosal dryness and reduced skin turgor, indicating dehydration. The hospital said blood gas analysis showed compensated acidosis, with serum potassium levels recorded at 2.9 mEq/l and blood sugar at 78 mg/dl. Repeat electrolyte tests confirmed potassium levels at 2.92 mEq/l. It added that urinary ketones, which were 1+ at the time of admission, increased to 3+ by 1 pm. Although doctors advised intravenous fluids, Wangchuk refused IV fluids, oral rehydration fluids and other medication despite counselling. The hospital said he is under continuous monitoring and is being counselled for treatment.
Jul 19, 2026 01:44 PM IST
Bhojpuri actor Khesari Lal Yadav says this should concern every parent, every citizen
Bhojpuri actor Khesari Lal Yadav on Sunday expressed support for activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike, saying the issue concerns every parent and every citizen. He said the fight was not just about students but also about parents who work hard to educate their children and dream of a better future for their families and the country. Calling it “everyone’s fight”, Khesari urged people across the country to come forward and support the movement.
Jul 19, 2026 01:17 PM IST
BJP president Naveen Patnaik urges centre to initiate dialogue with students
BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Sunday urged the Centre to initiate meaningful talks with students protesting alleged irregularities in the conduct of examinations and called for a detailed discussion on the issue in Parliament. Referring to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, Patnaik said students should be given a platform to express their concerns peacefully. The Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly also sought accountability for the alleged mismanagement in the conduct of examinations, saying the issue had led to a loss of public trust.
Jul 19, 2026 12:46 PM IST
Men’s rights activist says she threw ink at Dipke for mocking Hindu deities
Self-described men’s rights activist Barkha Trehan on Sunday said she threw ink at Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke as a form of protest, claiming the agitation had become politically motivated and was no longer about the NEET issue. Trehan alleged that Dipke and his associates mocked Lord Ram and Goddess Sita during the event, saying she felt compelled to protest. She claimed she does not tolerate remarks against Hindu deities. She further alleged that CJP supporters assaulted her, pulled her hair and beat her after the incident. Trehan thanked the Delhi Police for rescuing her and claimed she had gone to tell activist Sonam Wangchuk that he was being “used”, comparing the situation to the Anna Hazare movement.
Jul 19, 2026 12:29 PM IST
Manish Sisodia to join Jantar Mantar protest at 3 PM
Former Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia will join the protest at Jantar Mantar at 3 pm on Sunday. The protest has been organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over alleged NEET paper leak irregularities and follows activist Sonam Wangchuk’s removal from the protest site and hospitalisation.
Jul 19, 2026 12:21 PM IST
Delhi Police says CJP never obtained permission to hold protest march
Alok Singh reports that the Delhi Police are keeping a close watch on developments at Jantar Mantar after Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) chief Abhijeet Dipke and Sonam Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali Angmo appealed to people to gather at the site for a march towards Parliament on the first day of the Monsoon Session on Monday. Police officers said CJP protesters at Jantar Mantar had neither obtained permission to continue their protest at the site nor applied for permission to hold a protest march. “Since Section 163 remains in force in the New Delhi district, they cannot be allowed to hold the march,” an officer remarked.
Jul 19, 2026 12:16 PM IST
Safdarjung Hospital Medical Superintendent says Wangchuk remains alert
Safdarjung Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Charu Bamba on Sunday said activist Sonam Wangchuk remains fully alert, conscious and oriented. She said his vital parameters, including blood pressure, pulse rate and oxygen saturation, are within the normal range. However, his laboratory test results are slightly abnormal, with some parameters being marginally above or below the normal levels. Dr Bamba said Wangchuk is being continuously monitored and provided necessary treatment. She added that since he remains weak and continues his fast, he requires constant observation and repeated medical investigations.
Jul 19, 2026 11:54 AM IST
Mumbai police registers two FIRs in connection with Wangchuk’s shifting to hospital
Mohamed Thaver reports that Mumbai Police have registered two FIRs in connection with protests held against activist Sonam Wangchuk being shifted to a hospital by Delhi Police. The first FIR was registered at Marine Drive Police Station against NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) workers who protested near Mantralaya. The second FIR was registered at Azad Maidan Police Station against left-wing organisations for a protest near the Press Club. Seven people, including Sudhir Dhawale, an accused in the Elgar Parishad case who was granted bail last year, have been booked in the second case. The accused in both cases have been charged with disobedience of an order issued by a public servant, wrongful restraint and unlawful assembly, among other offences. Police issued notices to the accused and allowed them to leave.
Jul 19, 2026 11:39 AM IST
CJP says protests held across country, more to follow
Supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) claimed that spontaneous protests were held across several cities against the action taken against activist Sonam Wangchuk. The group said demonstrations took place in Hyderabad, Ahilya Nagar, Mumbai and Nagpur, and claimed that more protests would be held from Monday onwards.
Jul 19, 2026 11:15 AM IST
CJP claims 30-40 people from BJP infiltrated protest site
Cockroach Janta Party’s spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka claimed that 30-40 people associated with the BJP and Delhi Police had allegedly infiltrated the protest site to create disruption. The group alleged that attempts could be made to make “anti-India provocative statements” and urged supporters to identify and reject such individuals, saying they were not supporters of CJP or activist Sonam Wangchuk.
Jul 19, 2026 11:10 AM IST
CJP urges support, claims tear gas guns have arrived
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) urged people to reach Jantar Mantar, claiming that tear gas guns had arrived at the protest site.
Jul 19, 2026 10:55 AM IST
TMC MP Kirti Azad backs Rahul Gandhi on criticising removal of Wangchuk from protest site
TMC MP Kirti Azad backed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the removal of activist Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar, saying the issue could become a major political flashpoint. Azad compared the situation with the 2011 Anna Hazare protest and alleged that the BJP-led government was not allowing dissent. He also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP, VHP and RSS over their handling of governance issues.
Jul 19, 2026 10:45 AM IST
Manish Sisodia to join protest at Jantar Mantar today
Former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia on Sunday said he would join the youth protest against alleged paper leaks at Jantar Mantar. Sisodia said not supporting the movement would amount to a betrayal of students appearing for examinations and the country’s future. Calling paper leaks a concern beyond students, he said the issue affects every parent hoping for a better future for their children and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Jul 19, 2026 10:33 AM IST
Prashant Bhushan says Wangchuk’s dentention breathed new fire in the protest
Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan said that the detention of activist Sonam Wangchuk has further intensified the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar. After visiting the protest site, he said that the action against Wangchuk had “breathed new fire” into the agitation instead of reducing it. He said Wangchuk had “staked his life for children’s future” and urged people to gather at Jantar Mantar on July 20 at 9 am for the planned march to Parliament.
Jul 19, 2026 10:16 AM IST
Delhi Traffic Police issues advisory for July 20
Delhi Traffic Police issues advisory as the Monsoon session of the Parliament commences on July 20. In a post on X, the police said that special traffic arrangements will be in place in the New Delhi Range. Delhi Traffic Police said heavy vehicular movement and traffic restrictions are expected around the Parliament area during the session. The advisory noted Motilal Nehru Marg, Raisina Road, Parliament Street, Talkatora Road, Pandit Pant Marg among roads to be avoided. Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys in advance, allow extra travel time, avoid affected roads and junctions during peak hours, and stay updated through Delhi Traffic Police channels.
Jul 19, 2026 10:06 AM IST
Sonam Wangchuk’s wife said government would be responsible if anything happens to him
Sonam Wangchuk’s wife has said that around 30 police personnel are stationed on their floor and over 100 personnel are deployed across the hospital where he is admitted. She said the situation was “not medical care but illegal detention” and held the hospital authorities and government responsible if anything happened to Wangchuk. She moved the Delhi High Court seeking an urgent hearing and permission to shift Wangchuk to a hospital of their choice, saying no family should have to fight the system to decide where their loved one receives medical treatment.
Jul 19, 2026 09:59 AM IST
Abhijeet Dipke requests protestors to join July 20 march
Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke in a post on X, said: “The March on 20 July will take place, as Sonam Sir has decided. I request all supporters to reach Jantar Mantar. Both our protest and the march will remain peaceful. Anyone who creates any kind of disruption or raises negative slogans cannot be a supporter of Sonam Sir or CJP.”
Jul 19, 2026 09:49 AM IST
Abhijeet Dipke says ‘if anything happens to Sonam sir, Modi govt will be responsible’
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke says in a post on X: ‘If anything happens to Sonam Sir, the Modi Govt will be responsible.’
Jul 19, 2026 09:43 AM IST
Sonam Wangchuk’s wife moves Delhi High Court to shift him to a hospital of their choice
Sonam Wangchuk’s wife has alleged that they have lost faith in Safdarjung Government Hospital and moved the Delhi High Court seeking permission to shift him to a private hospital of their choice. In a statement, she claimed that the hospital informed them that Wangchuk’s potassium level had fallen to 2.9, calling it alarming and life-threatening. However, they alleged that the public health bulletin only mentioned “decreasing potassium levels” without specifying the figure. The family said an independent laboratory test showed his potassium level at 3.5. She also alleged that the hospital has refused to discharge Wangchuk or allow his transfer, claiming that the presence of police personnel around the hospital has restricted their movement.
Jul 19, 2026 09:31 AM IST
Sonam Wangchuk calls July 20 March ‘second freedom movement’
Activist Sonam Wangchuk has called for a march to Parliament on July 20, describing it as India’s ‘second freedom movement’. In a post on X, Cockroach Janta Part, said that in a message shared through Gitanjali from Safdarjung Hospital, where he was admitted after being removed from the protest site, Wangchuk called for a ‘fear-free India’ and an ‘injustice-free India’. He listed freedom from issues such as paper leaks and what he described as his ‘illegal detention’ as the objectives of the movement, urging people to make the Parliament march a success.
Jul 19, 2026 09:21 AM IST
Security personnel deployed outside Safdarjung Hospital
Security personnel have been deployed outside the VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital premises in Delhi, where Sonam Wangchuk has been admitted after his health deteriorated on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike. Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital from Jantar Mantar for medical care amid concerns over his health condition.
Jul 19, 2026 09:16 AM IST
MP Chandrashekhar Azad joins protest at Jantar Mantar
Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) president and MP Chandrashekhar Azad joined protesters at Jantar Mantar in the early hours of Sunday to express solidarity following the removal of activist Sonam Wangchuk by Delhi Police. The development came a day after Wangchuk, who was on an indefinite hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak issue, was shifted from the protest site and admitted to Safdarjung Hospital.
Jul 19, 2026 09:13 AM IST
Abhijeet Dipke says ‘Modi’s forces preparing for crackdown’
Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke shared a short clip on X, saying: “Modi’s forces preparing for crackdown.” In the video, officials of the Rapid Action Force are seen in a van. The protestors have stated that they will lead a march to the Parliament on July 20.
Jul 19, 2026 08:51 AM IST
Safdarjung Hospital says medical intervention provided to Wangchuk
Activist Sonam Wangchuk is being provided the required medical intervention at VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, according to the latest health update at 8.30 am. His vital parameters are currently stable, but blood parameters remain marginally altered, the hospital said. Considering the physiological stress and systemic effects of prolonged fasting, Wangchuk requires continuous medical care under the close observation of a multidisciplinary team of experts.
Jul 19, 2026 08:38 AM IST
Apollo senior consultant says IV fluids necessary
On activist Sonam Wangchuk’s health, Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said the medical report indicating ‘compensated metabolic acidosis’ suggests that Wangchuk’s body is being affected due to dehydration. Dr Chatterjee said addressing electrolyte levels, particularly potassium and other essential substances required for organ function, is crucial at this stage. He added that IV fluids and nutritional support are necessary, as the situation could become critical if left untreated.
Jul 19, 2026 08:33 AM IST
Abhijeet Dipke says ‘hunger strike is difficult’ on Day 2
Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Sunday said he was on the second day of his hunger strike and had realised how difficult the protest was. Dipke said he saluted activist Sonam Wangchuk and the students participating in the hunger strike, adding that he was conserving his energy for the planned march to Parliament on Monday.
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