Activist Sonam Wangchuk was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi on Saturday after a prolonged hunger strike [1].
The hospitalization follows a period of deteriorating health during a protest against alleged irregularities in the Indian education system. The situation highlights the physical toll of high-profile political fasting and the legal tension regarding medical consent for activists in state custody.
Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital from the protest site at Jantar Mantar by Delhi police [2]. Reports on the duration of his fast vary, with sources citing the strike lasted between 20 [1] and 21 days [3]. A hospital spokesperson said Wangchuk is stable but weak and requires continuous medical monitoring [4].
His wife, Geetanjali Angmo, has challenged the circumstances of his admission. Angmo said that without her consent, Wangchuk was forced to be admitted to the hospital [2]. She has since written a letter to the hospital management to express serious concerns and request a transfer to a facility preferred by the family [5].
Angmo's request emphasizes the need for family consent before any medical interventions are performed on the activist [1]. The family continues to seek a transfer from Safdarjung Hospital to their chosen provider to ensure preferred care [5].
“"Without my consent, he was forced to be admitted to the hospital."”
The dispute over medical consent and hospital choice underscores the friction between state-led emergency interventions and the autonomy of political protesters. By requesting a transfer and formal consent, Wangchuk's family is attempting to maintain control over his medical treatment, preventing the state from unilaterally ending a hunger strike through forced medical intervention.
