Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26‑Day Hunger Strike After Modi Vows Fast‑Track Courts for Medical Exam Leaks
Sonam Wangchuk ends 26-day hunger strike after Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged fast-track courts to prosecute those responsible for leaked medical entrance exams, officials said.
Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk on July 24, 2026, suspended a 26‑day hunger strike following a public pledge from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to establish fast‑track courts to hold accountable those implicated in the recent medical entrance exam leaks. The development marks a pause in a high‑profile protest that had drawn national attention to alleged corruption affecting thousands of aspirants. Wangchuk had called for swift legal action and transparent investigations into how confidential exam materials were compromised.
Details of the Hunger Strike and Demands
Wangchuk began his hunger strike nearly four weeks ago, citing what he described as a systemic failure to protect the integrity of competitive medical entrance exams. His core demands included criminal prosecution of perpetrators, institutional reforms to prevent future leaks, and immediate relief for affected students. The strike drew support from student groups and activists who argued that leaked papers undermine meritocracy and public confidence in the admissions system.
Prime Minister’s Public Pledge
Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly vowed to set up fast‑track courts to “punish those involved” in the exam leaks, a commitment that prompted Wangchuk to call off his protest. Government officials framed the pledge as an effort to expedite legal proceedings and deliver timely justice for students and families harmed by the scandal. Details on the timeline, jurisdiction, and procedural design for the proposed fast‑track courts remain limited pending formal announcements from the judiciary and the law ministry.
Scope and Impact of the Exam Leaks
The leaked medical entrance exams affected a large cohort of candidates preparing for national admission tests, intensifying concerns about corruption in high‑stakes assessments. Education officials and advocacy groups have warned that leaked question papers could skew admissions, disadvantage legitimate candidates, and trigger long‑term reputational damage. Calls for forensic reviews of exam processes and enhanced security measures had increased in the weeks before Wangchuk’s action.
Reactions from Students and Civil Society
Student organisations and parent groups welcomed the promise of fast‑track courts but urged concrete, rapid measures to protect exam integrity and fairness in admissions. Some activists stressed that legal proceedings alone would not restore trust unless accompanied by administrative reforms, independent oversight, and compensatory mechanisms for affected candidates. Others warned that fast timelines must still uphold due process and avoid politicisation of prosecutions.
Legal and Administrative Questions Ahead
Legal experts note that establishing fast‑track courts raises complex questions about jurisdiction, case allocation, and the preservation of evidentiary standards. The judiciary will need to balance expedited timelines with defendants’ rights and investigative thoroughness, lawyers said. Administrative reforms cited by advocates include encrypted paper handling, randomized question draws, third‑party audits, and enhanced liability for officials who fail to secure exam materials.
Next Steps: Investigations and Accountability
Authorities have indicated that criminal inquiries and internal probes will proceed alongside the pledge for special courts, though precise deadlines were not released. Activists and student representatives have called for the publication of investigation roadmaps, interim findings, and a timetable for any admissions or exam retakes deemed necessary. Observers say transparent updates and visible accountability measures will be critical to convincing students and families that reforms are substantive rather than performative.
The decision by Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike follows a high‑profile mobilisation around a sensitive national issue and shifts attention to the mechanics of legal reform and institutional repair. As fast‑track court plans and investigations take shape, stakeholders will be watching for clear schedules, independent oversight, and remedies that ensure fair access to medical education for all candidates.