SCBA Executive Committee Passes Resolution, appeals to Sonam Wangchuk to End Fast

New Delhi: The Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association has formally resolved to appeal to climate activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk to discontinue his indefinite hunger strike, in a resolution dated 16th July 2026, signed by Honorary Secretary Pragya Baghel. 

The resolution follows a personal appeal made by SCBA President Vikas Singh, and comes as Wangchuk's fast at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET examination irregularities, entered its 19th day.

The Committee noted with concern that Wangchuk had placed his health and life at risk for the future of the country's children, drawing national attention to issues surrounding the NEET examinations, and credited his longstanding work with young learners as a model of service rooted in action and institution-building.

“The Committee observes that through his present fast, Mr. Wangchuk has once again served the national conscience, reminding the country that moral courage is indispensable to national character.”

The resolution expressed regret that despite a person of Wangchuk's integrity being willing to take such an extreme step, institutional conscience had not responded with the urgency the moment demanded, pointing to what it termed systemic failures affecting millions of young citizens and an erosion of accountability across public institutions.

While acknowledging that the fast had stirred the nation and awakened public conscience, the Committee took the view that the country needed Wangchuk alive and leading rather than risking his life for a system in distress.

“India does not need him to place his life in jeopardy for a system in distress. India needs him to remain alive, active, engaged, and able to lead from the front.”

In response to the message conveyed by the fast, the Committee resolved that the SCBA would itself contribute to building national character by anchoring its work in constitutional morality and institutional responsibility, and pledged to extend legal and research support, within its mandate, to initiatives aimed at ensuring transparency, fairness and accountability in processes determining educational opportunities. It further resolved to advocate for reforms strengthening institutional integrity and to sustain public engagement reinforcing ethical governance, affirming that the SCBA would continue to serve as a guardian of constitutional morality and institutional integrity.

The Executive Committee concluded by appealing to Wangchuk, in recognition of his decades of service, to end his fast and safeguard his health.

“The Executive Committee earnestly appeals to Mr. Sonam Wangchuk to discontinue his fast, safeguard his health, and continue guiding the nation with his strength, clarity, and leadership.”