Gitanjali J. Angmo Moves Delhi High Court Seeking Sonam Wangchuk’s Transfer

Jyoti Rathi - Kolkata Bureau Jul 19, 2026 3,000 Views

Dr. Gitanjali J. Angmo has petitioned the Delhi High Court to transfer climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from Safdarjung Hospital to a private facility, alleging "illegal confinement" and a lack of transparency. The police maintain the transfer was a necessary medical measure following a 20-day hunger strike.

Citing a loss of faith in hospital transparency, the wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has petitioned for his immediate transfer from Safdarjung Hospital to a private facility.

NEW DELHI – Dr. Gitanjali J. Angmo, the wife of climate activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk, has filed a writ petition in the Delhi High Court seeking the immediate discharge of her husband from Safdarjung Hospital. The legal action follows Wangchuk’s forced removal by Delhi Police from his long-standing protest site at Jantar Mantar on July 18, 2026.

Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 to support student protests regarding alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, was taken to the government facility following what police described as "expert medical advice" and compliance with a Delhi High Court order. However, Angmo’s petition characterizes his ongoing hospital stay as "illegal and unconstitutional confinement" and a violation of his fundamental rights.

Allegations of "Illegal Detention"

In her petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution, Angmo has sought unrestricted access to her husband for family, legal counsel, and the personal doctors who monitored his health throughout his 20-day protest. She has also requested that the court direct authorities to provide his complete medical records and permit an independent medical examination.

"It is not medical care. It is illegal detention," Angmo stated, noting that heavy police deployment—allegedly including 30 officers on their floor alone—has severely restricted movement.

The core of the dispute lies in conflicting reports regarding Wangchuk’s health. Angmo alleges that while Safdarjung Hospital staff informed the family that his potassium levels were at an "alarming" 2.9, an independent laboratory test reportedly showed levels at 3.5, within the normal range. She claims that the hospital has refused to provide physical copies of his medical reports or allow for a second opinion, leading to a profound "lack of transparency."

Official Stance and Police Rationale

The Delhi Police have maintained that the operation was conducted lawfully. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma, the removal was executed to ensure "essential medical care" following a directive from the Delhi High Court, which had previously observed that "the life of any citizen is precious" and ordered daily medical monitoring.

In a recent health bulletin, Safdarjung Hospital stated that Wangchuk was showing signs of dehydration and metabolic abnormalities, including compensated acidosis. Hospital authorities noted that despite these findings, Wangchuk has refused oral rehydration solutions, intravenous fluids, and other medications.

Impact on Ongoing Protests

The hospitalisation has not halted the broader movement. Supporters from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and protesting students continue to express concern, alleging that the government is attempting to stifle the planned "Chalo Sansad" march to Parliament scheduled for July 20.

While the administration insists the transfer was a necessary medical intervention, Angmo and CJP representatives argue that the High Court’s original order did not authorize forcible removal or hospitalisation, but merely mandated regular medical check-ups.

Key Facts at a Glance

Legal Action: Dr. Gitanjali J. Angmo has moved the Delhi High Court seeking an urgent hearing for Wangchuk’s discharge and transfer to a private hospital.
Stated Reason for Transfer: Delhi Police moved the activist on July 18, citing deteriorating health and compliance with court-mandated monitoring.
Family’s Concerns: Angmo alleges a "lack of transparency" in medical reporting, specifically regarding potassium level discrepancies, and reports restrictive police presence.
Protest Status: Sonam Wangchuk has reportedly continued his fast while in hospital, and organizers maintain the planned march to Parliament will proceed.

FAQ

Why was Sonam Wangchuk moved to Safdarjung Hospital? Police stated it was for "essential medical care" due to his deteriorating health after a 20-day hunger strike, acting under High Court directions.
What are the primary demands of the petition? Dr. Angmo seeks his immediate transfer to a private facility, access to personal medical teams, and the release of his official medical records.
Has the protest ended? No, Wangchuk’s family and protest organizers have confirmed that the hunger strike and the planned "Chalo Sansad" march are continuing.

Source: