Indian social activist Sonam Wangchuk has been hospitalised after spending 20 days on a hunger strike in protest against India’s examination system and alleged irregularities in medical school entrance exams.

The 59-year-old was taken to a hospital by Delhi police on Saturday after health officials warned that his condition had deteriorated. Police said the move followed a court order and medical advice aimed at ensuring he received urgent treatment.

Wangchuk began the hunger strike on June 28, calling for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged flaws in the country’s examination process. His protest attracted hundreds of students to Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, with more demonstrations organised by supporters across the country.

Authorities said some protesters tried to stop officers from moving Wangchuk, causing a brief commotion before he was taken to hospital. Police later urged demonstrators to leave the protest site peacefully.

The Delhi High Court had earlier directed government doctors to monitor Wangchuk’s health daily after concerns were raised that the prolonged fast could become life-threatening. The court also ordered that all necessary medical treatment be provided to preserve his life.

Before he was moved to the hospital, Wangchuk maintained that even small protest movements could bring about significant changes, particularly on issues affecting education.

The protests follow nationwide outrage over India’s medical entrance examination after a paper leak forced authorities to cancel the original test and organise a fresh examination for about 2.2 million candidates. The controversy, alongside complaints over errors in high school examination results, has sparked widespread student protests and renewed calls for reforms.

Several opposition politicians have expressed support for Wangchuk and the students, urging the government to address concerns over the integrity of the country’s education system.