SCBA extends solidarity to Sonam Wangchuk, flags government’s silence on exam reform protest
Supreme Court’s apex lawyers’ body offers legal and research support for transparency in education, appeals to activist to end indefinite hunger strike
By NewsArc Bureau, New Delhi
The Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has passed a resolution expressing solidarity with activist Sonam Wangchuk over his concerns on examination irregularities, while urging him to call off his indefinite hunger strike.
COMMITTEE FLAGS “INSTITUTIONAL SILENCE”
In the resolution adopted on July 16, the Committee said it was deeply troubled that Wangchuk had put his health and life on the line for the future of the country’s children, drawing nationwide attention to concerns around the NEET examinations and the broader state of the education system. It noted that his years of work have transformed lives through discipline, innovation and community engagement.
The Committee expressed regret that despite a person of Wangchuk’s integrity taking such an extreme step, the government’s response had not matched the urgency of the moment, pointing to what it called systemic failures affecting millions of young citizens and a troubling decline in institutional accountability.
APPEAL TO END THE FAST
While acknowledging that Wangchuk’s fast had stirred public conscience nationwide, the Committee said the country needed him alive and active rather than risking his life for a system in crisis, stressing that the work of strengthening institutions and restoring public trust required his continued presence.
SCBA PLEDGES LEGAL, RESEARCH SUPPORT
The resolution stated that the SCBA would extend legal and research support, within its mandate, to initiatives aimed at ensuring transparency, fairness and accountability in processes that determine educational opportunities. The Association also resolved to push for reforms strengthening institutional integrity and reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional morality.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal and SCBA President Vikas Singh have separately also appealed to Wangchuk to end his hunger strike.
