New Delhi: Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, has approached the Delhi High Court once again, contesting a recent order that declined to intervene in his continued treatment at Safdarjung Hospital. The appeal argues that the decision restricts Wangchuk’s constitutional rights and prevents him and his family from making independent choices regarding his medical care.
The fresh petition comes after a Single Judge refused to direct Wangchuk’s discharge from the government-run hospital, where he was admitted after being shifted from Jantar Mantar during his indefinite hunger strike. Angmo has challenged that ruling before a Division Bench, seeking urgent consideration of the matter.
According to the appeal, the earlier order overlooks the principles of informed consent and bodily autonomy by denying Wangchuk the freedom to decide where he should receive treatment. It argues that the right to choose one’s medical care forms part of the protections guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The petition further contends that Wangchuk’s continued stay at Safdarjung Hospital amounts to unlawful confinement, noting that no arrest or detention order has been issued against him. It maintains that compelling him to remain in the hospital despite his objections infringes upon his rights to personal liberty, free movement and peaceful protest under Articles 19 and 21.
The appeal also cites judicial precedents of the Supreme Court recognising patients’ autonomy and the importance of informed consent in medical treatment, asserting that these principles have not been adequately considered.
Wangchuk’s legal team is expected to seek an urgent hearing before a Division Bench of the Delhi High Court, requesting early listing of the appeal.
Meanwhile, the activist has reiterated that he is prepared to end his indefinite fast if one of three conditions is fulfilled. In a handwritten note issued from the hospital, he said he would withdraw his protest if the Union government accepted responsibility for recent shortcomings in the education system, including examination paper leaks.
He also stated that he would end the fast if he and leaders of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) were allowed to reach Parliament and received assurances from Members of Parliament that the issue would be taken up in the House. As a third option, Wangchuk said he would conclude the fast if MPs from different political parties visited him at the hospital and publicly committed to raising the matter in Parliament.
Calling his stay at Safdarjung Hospital an “illegal detention,” Wangchuk alleged that his movement, communication and freedom of expression had been curtailed while he remained under medical supervision.
Despite Delhi Police denying permission for the proposed ‘Chalo Sansad’ march, members of the Cockroach Janata Party have continued preparations for the planned demonstration, with heightened security arrangements remaining in place across central Delhi.
