Delhi Court Rejects Petition to Release Activist Sonam Wangchuk, Finds No Force Used

Al Jazeera reported that a Delhi High Court judge on July 19 rejected a petition filed by Gitanjali Angmo seeking the release of her husband, activist Sonam Wangchuk, from Safdarjung Hospital. Wangchuk, 59, had been seized by police at Jantar Mantar on July 18 after beginning a hunger strike on June 28 in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party movement.

Judge Mini Pushkarna stated that doctors had administered only oral fluids and supplements with Wangchuk's consent.

The judge added that it could not be said any force was being used against him or that his bodily autonomy was being violated. Another hearing is set for July 24. Angmo said the hospital had refused to discharge Wangchuk or allow transfer to a private facility.

She noted around 30 police personnel on their floor and over 100 across the hospital, describing the situation as illegal detention rather than medical care. Safdarjung Hospital stated on July 19 that Wangchuk's vitals were stable but his blood parameters remained marginally altered.

The hospital said he required sustained medical intervention and round-the-clock monitoring, though Wangchuk has refused medical interventions.

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, announced an indefinite hunger strike on July 18 after Wangchuk's hospitalization. The movement, which began in May, demands the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan along with changes to India's examination system.