Gitanjali J Angmo said her husband, activist Sonam Wangchuk, was taken to Safdarjung Hospital without his or her consent [1, 2].
The incident raises concerns regarding the legal basis for the activist's detention and medical treatment during a period of political tension. This occurs as supporters prepare for a scheduled protest action.
Angmo said that the High Court did not order the hospitalization of her husband [2]. According to her account, Wangchuk was moved from Jantar Mantar to the New Delhi hospital without authorization [1]. She said that the hospital has declined to share copies of medical reports despite repeated requests [2].
Despite the lack of access to medical records, Angmo said that Wangchuk is "absolutely fine" [2]. She said that no treatment should proceed without her consent [2].
The situation comes ahead of a planned march to Parliament scheduled for July 20, 2024 [1]. Angmo said she is ready to lead the movement if her husband is unable to do so [1].
Safdarjung Hospital has not provided a public response to the allegations regarding the lack of consent or the withholding of medical documentation [2].
“"Sonam Wangchuk is 'absolutely fine' but the Safdarjung Hospital has declined to share copies of medical reports"”
The allegations of non-consensual hospitalization and the withholding of medical records suggest a potential conflict between state authorities and political activists. By challenging the legal grounds of the admission, Angmo is framing the hospitalization as a tactic to disrupt the planned July 20 march, rather than a medical necessity.
