Sonam Wangchuk Shifted to Hospital; Wife Demands No Treatment Without Her Consent

Activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted from the protest site at Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital by the Delhi Police on Saturday, the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike. Following the transfer, his wife, Geetanjali J. Angmo, said that no medical treatment should be administered to him without her consent. Speaking after Wangchuk's hospitalisation, Angmo said he was currently admitted to Safdarjung Hospital and insisted that no medical procedure or treatment should begin without her approval. She further stated that if anything happened to him without her consent, she would hold those responsible accountable. Questioning the decision to admit Wangchuk to the hospital, Angmo claimed that he had appeared to be in stable condition on Friday. She asserted that there had been no need to move him to the hospital and referred to her rights under Article 32, maintaining that neither treatment nor medication should be administered without her consent and the approval of her doctor. The Delhi Police, however, said that Wangchuk had been shifted to the hospital for "necessary medical care" based on expert medical advice and in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court. The police also appealed to the protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar to conclude their demonstration peacefully and vacate the site at the earliest. On Friday night, before being shifted to the hospital, Wangchuk had said he remained determined to continue his fast despite his deteriorating health. In a video message, he claimed that he had lost around 20 percent of his body weight during the hunger strike. He also urged the government to listen to the concerns of the country's youth, stating that the time had come for their voices to be heard. Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 in support of a Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP)-led protest concerning alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and the reported deaths of students linked to the controversy. The Delhi High Court has been monitoring Wangchuk's medical condition and has directed that his health be assessed regularly. The court has also instructed that appropriate medical assistance be provided whenever necessary.