Indian court rejects bid to release hunger-striking activist from hospital

A Delhi court has upheld the government's decision to hospitalize activist Sonam Wangchuk against his wishes, rejecting his wife's petition to release him from what she characterizes as unlawful confinement. Wangchuk, 59, was taken to Safdarjung Hospital by police on Saturday after maintaining a hunger strike for three weeks in support of the Cockroach Janta Party movement at Jantar Mantar, a prominent protest site in the capital.

Judge Mini Pushkarna stated that medical staff had provided only oral fluids and supplements with Wangchuk's consent, asserting that no force was being applied against him or his bodily autonomy violated. The court scheduled another hearing for Friday. Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, disputed this characterization, noting that approximately 30 police officers were stationed on their hospital floor with over 100 deployed throughout the facility, severely restricting family movement and preventing transfer to a private medical facility of their choice.

The hospital reported that Wangchuk's vital signs remained stable, though blood parameters showed minor abnormalities requiring continued medical monitoring and intervention. Despite medical staff emphasizing the urgent need for treatment, Wangchuk has declined medical interventions. Angmo expressed loss of confidence in the state hospital and warned that authorities would bear responsibility for any adverse outcomes, questioning why families must contest government systems to select their loved one's medical care provider.