NEW DELHI — An Indian court has rejected a petition filed by the wife of social activist Sonam Wangchuk seeking his release from what she calls “illegal detention” at the state-run Safdarjung Government Hospital in New Delhi. Wangchuk, 59, was forcibly taken to the hospital by police after three weeks on a hunger strike in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest movement.

Gitanjali Angmo, Wangchuk’s wife, said on social media platform X on Sunday, July 19, that despite repeated requests, the hospital has refused to discharge him or allow his transfer to a private hospital of their choice. She added that she had sought an urgent hearing at the Delhi High Court.

The hospital reported that Wangchuk’s vital parameters were stable, although some blood parameters remained “marginally altered,” and that he required sustained medical intervention and round-the-clock monitoring. Wangchuk had told government doctors on July 17 that he did not wish to be moved to a hospital and refused treatment on July 18.

Judge Mini Pushkarna stated that doctors had administered only oral fluids and supplements with Wangchuk’s consent and that no force was being used against him, nor was his bodily autonomy being violated.

Wangchuk had been fasting since June 28 to support the CJP, a youth-led movement demanding the resignation of federal Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following exam paper leaks in May that affected millions of students. The protests have become a notable challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.

Angmo also highlighted the heavy police presence at the hospital, with around 30 officers stationed on their floor and over 100 across the hospital, severely restricting their movement.

On July 16, the Delhi High Court had instructed authorities to monitor Wangchuk’s health closely and intervene if necessary, responding to a petition that requested force-feeding due to his deteriorating condition.

Meanwhile, the protests intensified following Wangchuk’s hospitalisation.

Sources