The court was hearing a petition challenging the activist’s removal from the Jantar Mantar protest site on the 21st day of his hunger strike
The Delhi High Court on Sunday ruled that the government had the right to shift activist Sonam Wangchuk to a hospital as he did not voluntarily seek medical care despite his deteriorating health, according to reports from Bar and Bench.
The court was hearing a petition challenging Wangchuk’s removal from the Jantar Mantar protest site on Saturday morning, where he had been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 as part of a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The activist, who inspired the character of Phunsukh Wangdu in the film 3 Idiots, had been demanding broader reforms to the examination system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over repeated examination paper leaks.
The Police Operation
Wangchuk was removed from the site in a pre-dawn operation on Saturday. According to reports, police personnel had assembled at the spot at 3 am for what they were told was a security drill. They were later briefed about the plan to remove Wangchuk within “30 seconds.”
Around 6.30 am, police placed a white curtain across the stage and removed Wangchuk, taking him to Safdarjung Hospital. The operation came a day after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs removed Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golchha and appointed Anurag Kumar in his place.
Wangchuk’s Health Condition
Wangchuk had lost about 8.5 kg and his blood pressure had dropped to 109/70 by the time he was removed from the protest site. A petition filed earlier in the week had sought urgent medical intervention, warning that Wangchuk could die within two days if not provided with medical care.
The court’s observation that the government was justified in shifting Wangchuk to hospital for medical care came as a significant development in the case, which has drawn widespread attention from political leaders and civil society members.
Political Reactions
Several Opposition parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Shiv Sena (UBT), have extended support to Wangchuk, demanding that the Centre engage with him and sack Pradhan. The CJP has also announced a protest march to Parliament on July 20—the first day of the Monsoon session.
