[object Object]

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has entered his 19th day of a hunger strike in central Delhi, pressing for the education minister's resignation amid a scandal involving leaked exam papers. The Delhi High Court intervened yesterday, directing authorities to closely monitor Wangchuk's health and to provide medical assistance if his condition worsens.

This marks the first time a court has become involved in the protest, as concerns for Wangchuk's well-being grow among his supporters. The court's instruction implies he could be moved to a hospital should his health decline further. Wangchuk, 59, is fasting in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party, which is staging a sit-in protest demanding Minister Dharmendra Pradhan step down.

Doctors attending to Wangchuk reported that he has lost over 9 kg (20 pounds) since beginning his fast but remains mentally alert. He has stated his intention to continue the strike until the protesters' demands are met. The court's decision came after a petition requested authorities to force-feed Wangchuk to prevent his condition from deteriorating. A larger march to parliament has been called by the CJP for July 20 to intensify pressure for Pradhan's resignation and push for examination reforms.