HC Orders Sonam Wangchuk Shifted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday ordered that hunger-striking activist Sonam Wangchuk be immediately shifted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. The order was passed by a division bench following a plea by Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, amid growing concerns over his health during his ongoing fast.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, issued the directive on Tuesday. Angmo's plea challenged a Sunday ruling by the high court that had declined to interfere with Wangchuk's ongoing treatment at a central government hospital in Delhi.

Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28. He was forcibly shifted to Safdarjung Hospital by the Delhi Police on July 18, where he continued his fast.

His decision to prolong the hunger strike came after he witnessed a police crackdown on Monday during the 'Sansad Chalo' march, which was organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke stated on Tuesday that fellow protesters had previously convinced Wangchuk to end his fast. However, the activist reversed his decision after witnessing the police action.

"Sonam Wangchuk was going to end his fast yesterday. We had convinced him with great difficulty. We urged him that his life is too precious for this country and he should end his fast. He had somehow agreed, but seeing police brutality, he has continued his fast and this is very serious," Dipke said.

Dipke added that Wangchuk's health had become a matter of serious concern, noting that doctors warned his organs could face damage.

"His body can tolerate a fast for 20-21 days. After that, his life is under threat. Doctors had said in three-four days his organs can be damaged. It's been four days since he was picked up. We didn't want him to prolong his fast," Dipke said.

In solidarity, protesters at Jantar Mantar kept a photograph of Wangchuk on their stage, placed alongside a copy of the Constitution, the Ramcharitmanas, a charkha, and a small Buddha statue.