The Delhi High Court is set to review a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking an independent inquiry into the police conduct during climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. This hearing is scheduled for Wednesday. The division bench, led by Chief Justice Devender Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, will oversee the proceedings. Advocate Shakeel Abbas filed the PIL through his associates, targeting several respondents including the Union of India and key officials within the Delhi Police and local government.

Details of the Protest and Allegations

The PIL cites alleged violations of fundamental rights protected by Articles 19(1)(a), 19(1)(b), 19(1)(c), and 21 of the Constitution, primarily during the suppression of a peaceful demonstration led by Wangchuk and others. Wangchuk, along with a group of students and citizens, initiated an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar starting on June 28, 2026. The protest, which raised concerns about the education system and examination paper leaks, was reportedly non-violent until July 17.

The petitioner underscored the significance of protecting constitutional freedoms for all citizens, indicating that the litigation is not aimed at personal grievances but rather at institutional safeguards. The PIL requests a thorough examination of police actions during the protest, emphasising the necessity for an independent inquiry into claims of excessive force and disrupted demonstrations.

Relief Sought and Additional Requests

The PIL requests multiple forms of relief from the Delhi High Court, including an order for the investigation into police actions on July 18. It proposes that the Delhi Police Commissioner or a competent authority undertake an impartial and time-sensitive inquiry concerning the alleged use of force, the detention of protesters, and the interference with the hunger strike. The petitioner demands that crucial evidence, such as CCTV footage, body-camera recordings, and duty logs related to the incident, be preserved for review.

Another significant request asserts that the authorities should provide complete records about the police operation conducted on that date, including deployment orders and communication between medical services. The PIL aims to ensure accountability for the actions taken against demonstrators during the protest. Furthermore, it seeks to establish comprehensive guidelines aimed at regulating police behaviour during peaceful protests, ensuring that such assemblies are not unjustly disrupted in the future.

The proposal also includes interim directions to prevent authorities from engaging in coercive actions or using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators, specifically Wangchuk and his associates. This request reiterates the need for adherence to due process of law during lawful assemblies, reflecting the broader aim of safeguarding individual rights within the constitutional framework.

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