Story perspectives

Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike as Modi Promises Leak Law

7/24/2026

Summary

Sonam Wangchuk Fast

Sonam Wangchuk was moved to Safdarjung Hospital after a strike demanding Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over NEET paper leaks.
He began fasting on June 28, lost 11 kg in 26 days, doctors warned of dehydration, and he will end the fast only if Parliament ensures education accountability.
On July 20, tens of thousands of students marched to Parliament, causing injuries, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi said courts will punish leak perpetrators.

Summary

Wangchuk Ends

Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after negotiations and fear of violence, posting on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a tougher law to curb exam paper leaks and fast-track court cases, to be discussed by the cabinet on Friday.
Thousands of pro-CJP demonstrators continue protesting at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and other cities, maintaining pressure on the government.

History

Historical Context

After a 1997 JEE paper leak prompted the IITs to add a screening test, the 2005-06 reforms introduced a single-paper format and later legal changes tightened security. Today, Sonam Wangchuk’s 26-day hunger strike demanding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation revives those anti-leak protests, as the Modi government pushes stricter legislation. Roughly 1.5 million students sit for JEE Main annually.

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Sonam Wangchuk Fast

Sonam Wangchuk was moved to Safdarjung Hospital after a strike demanding Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over NEET paper leaks.
He began fasting on June 28, lost 11 kg in 26 days, doctors warned of dehydration, and he will end the fast only if Parliament ensures education accountability.
On July 20, tens of thousands of students marched to Parliament, causing injuries, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi said courts will punish leak perpetrators.

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