Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was transferred to Safdarjung Government Hospital in New Delhi on July 18, 2026, for medical supervision [1].
The transfer comes as Wangchuk's health deteriorated during a prolonged hunger strike, highlighting the physical toll of his protest and the legal interventions required to ensure his safety.
Wangchuk had been fasting at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Reports on the exact length of the strike vary, with some sources stating he was on his 21st day [2], while others cited 20 days [3]. The Delhi Police moved him to the government facility after acting on medical advice and a directive from the Delhi High Court.
New Delhi Police Chief Anurag Kumar oversaw the operation to secure the transfer. The move was designed to provide the activist with necessary medical care as his condition worsened.
"Sonam Wangchuk has been shifted to a government hospital in compliance with the Delhi High Court's order, following medical advice due to his health condition," DCP Sachin Sharma said [4].
Wangchuk is now under medical supervision at Safdarjung Hospital. The police action followed a period of increasing concern regarding the activist's stability during the fast. The transfer ensures that the activist receives professional healthcare while the legal and political dimensions of his protest continue to be addressed.
“Sonam Wangchuk was transferred to Safdarjung Government Hospital in New Delhi on July 18, 2024”
The hospitalization of Sonam Wangchuk marks a critical juncture in his protest, shifting the focus from his political demands to his immediate survival. The involvement of the Delhi High Court and the subsequent police-led transfer illustrate the tension between an individual's right to protest via hunger strike and the state's obligation to preserve life through medical intervention.
