Sonam Wangchuk has intensified his protest from inside Safdarjung Hospital by alleging that he is being kept under “illegal detention” while continuing his indefinite hunger strike. The activist, who was shifted from Delhi’s Jantar Mantar after more than three weeks of fasting, has appealed to supporters to make the planned July 20 march to Parliament a success. At the same time, his wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, has approached the Delhi High Court seeking permission to move Sonam Wangchuk to a private hospital, claiming she has lost confidence in the treatment and circumstances surrounding his stay at Safdarjung Hospital.
The developments have brought fresh attention to the ongoing protest, raising questions about medical care, personal consent, legal rights, and the government’s responsibility toward a fasting protester whose health continues to remain under close observation.
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Sonam Wangchuk Describes Hospital Stay as ‘Illegal Detention’
From his hospital bed, Sonam Wangchuk released a message claiming that he was not staying at the medical facility voluntarily. According to him, his continued presence at Safdarjung Hospital amounts to “illegal detention.”
In his statement, Sonam Wangchuk urged supporters to participate peacefully in the scheduled July 20 Parliament march. He described the campaign as “India’s Second Freedom Movement,” saying it represents a larger struggle against fear and injustice.
Apart from his own situation, Sonam Wangchuk also referred to wider public issues, including the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, which has triggered protests and debates across the country. He argued that his movement is aimed at demanding greater accountability and transparency in public institutions.
Despite being under medical supervision, Sonam Wangchuk has continued his indefinite hunger strike and has not agreed to end the fast.
Wife Approaches Delhi High Court Seeking Hospital Transfer
The legal battle surrounding Sonam Wangchuk’s treatment has also gained momentum after his wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, moved the Delhi High Court requesting permission to transfer him to another hospital.
According to Angmo, the family no longer has confidence in Safdarjung Hospital’s handling of Sonam Wangchuk’s treatment. She claimed there were inconsistencies regarding the hospital’s assessment of his potassium levels and alleged that repeated requests to discharge him or shift him to a private medical facility had been denied.
Angmo said the family wanted Sonam Wangchuk to receive treatment at a hospital of their own choice. She further stated that if any harm came to him during his hospital stay, responsibility should rest with the hospital authorities as well as the government.
The High Court is now expected to examine the family’s request while balancing medical recommendations and legal considerations.
Safdarjung Hospital Says Continuous Monitoring Is Necessary
Safdarjung Hospital has maintained that Sonam Wangchuk requires uninterrupted medical care despite his current stable condition.
A health bulletin issued jointly by Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) and Safdarjung Hospital stated that Sonam Wangchuk’s vital signs remain stable. However, doctors noted that certain blood parameters continue to be marginally abnormal due to the physical stress caused by prolonged fasting.
The hospital explained that extended fasting can affect several body systems simultaneously, making continuous observation essential even when a patient appears clinically stable.
Medical experts treating Sonam Wangchuk stated that prolonged hunger strikes can sometimes result in sudden complications involving electrolyte imbalance, organ function, blood chemistry, and cardiovascular health. Because of these risks, doctors have recommended round-the-clock monitoring to detect any deterioration at an early stage.
The official medical bulletin added that multidisciplinary teams from both VMMC and AIIMS New Delhi are jointly supervising Sonam Wangchuk’s treatment.
According to the doctors, sustained medical intervention remains necessary because complications can develop unexpectedly after weeks of fasting, even if current vital parameters appear normal.
AIIMS Experts Also Recommend Ongoing Medical Supervision
Hospital authorities further clarified that specialists from AIIMS have independently assessed Sonam Wangchuk’s medical condition.
According to the official statement, both the treating doctors at Safdarjung Hospital and experts from AIIMS reached the same medical opinion. They believe Sonam Wangchuk should continue receiving treatment under constant observation because prolonged fasting places significant stress on the body’s organs and metabolic systems.
Doctors stated that blood investigations continue to be monitored regularly to identify any changes requiring immediate intervention.
Hospital officials also confirmed that all required medical facilities and emergency care remain available should Sonam Wangchuk’s condition worsen.
Health Ministry Says Family Has Not Agreed to Recommended Treatment
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also issued a statement regarding Sonam Wangchuk’s medical care.
According to the ministry, doctors have repeatedly counselled both Sonam Wangchuk and his family regarding the recommended treatment plan. The ministry stated that despite these discussions, consent for the suggested medical intervention has not yet been provided.
Officials added that Sonam Wangchuk continues to remain under close medical observation while healthcare teams are making further efforts to convince him and his family to accept the recommended treatment.
The ministry maintained that all medical decisions are currently being guided by expert clinical opinion with the objective of protecting the activist’s health during the prolonged fast.
Hunger Strike Continues Over NEET-UG Paper Leak Issue
Sonam Wangchuk remains on an indefinite hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG paper leak issue.
The protest has continued for more than three weeks and has become one of the most closely watched demonstrations linked to the examination controversy.
On Saturday morning, Delhi Police shifted Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital following directions issued by the Delhi High Court. Officials said the decision was taken solely to ensure that he received necessary medical care after an extended period of fasting.
According to hospital records, Sonam Wangchuk was admitted at around 7:30 a.m. and has remained under observation ever since.
Even after being admitted, Sonam Wangchuk has refused to call off his hunger strike. Medical teams continue to monitor his condition while respecting the ongoing legal and medical processes surrounding his treatment.
Legal, Medical and Public Attention Focus on the Case
The developments have placed Sonam Wangchuk’s protest at the centre of legal, political and medical discussions. On one side, the family argues that he should be allowed to choose his place of treatment and questions the circumstances of his hospitalisation. On the other, hospital authorities and the Health Ministry maintain that continuous expert supervision is essential because of the health risks associated with prolonged fasting.
As the Delhi High Court considers the family’s plea and the planned Parliament march approaches, Sonam Wangchuk’s health, legal status and ongoing protest are expected to remain under close public and institutional scrutiny.
