New Delhi, July 19: Activist and education reform campaigner Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, has approached the Delhi High Court seeking an urgent hearing to allow his transfer from Safdarjung Hospital to a private medical facility, citing concerns over his deteriorating health following nearly three weeks of hunger strike.
In her petition, Angmo has described Wangchuk’s continued stay at the government-run hospital as an “illegal detention” and has requested the court to permit unrestricted access for the lawyers and doctors who had been treating him before his hospitalisation.
Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital on Friday after Delhi Police removed him from the Jantar Mantar protest site on the 21st day of his indefinite fast. According to Angmo, he has continued his hunger strike even after being admitted to the hospital and has not agreed to undergo medical treatment.
I have lost faith in Safdarjung Government Hospital.
The hospital told us @Wangchuk66’s potassium had dropped to 2.9, describing it as alarming and life-threatening. Yet, in its public health bulletin, it conveniently omitted the actual number, referring only to "decreasing…— Gitanjali J Angmo (@GitanjaliAngmo) July 19, 2026
Questioning the transparency of the medical care being provided, Angmo alleged that the hospital withheld key details about Wangchuk’s condition in its public health bulletin. She claimed that while the family was informed his potassium level had dropped to 2.9—described as a life-threatening condition—the official bulletin merely referred to “decreasing potassium levels” without disclosing the actual figure. She further stated that an independent laboratory test showed a potassium level of 3.5, which she said was within the normal range.
Angmo also alleged that authorities refused requests to discharge Wangchuk or shift him to a private hospital. She claimed the hospital premises were under heavy police deployment, with strict restrictions on the movement of family members and visitors.
Describing the situation as “illegal detention,” Angmo said she had lost confidence in Safdarjung Hospital and urged the High Court to intervene before Wangchuk’s health deteriorates further. She maintained that families should have the right to decide where their loved ones receive medical treatment.
Safdarjung Hospital, meanwhile, said Wangchuk’s condition was stable despite signs of dehydration and confirmed that he had refused medical treatment.
Wangchuk, an educator and social activist, began his hunger strike on June 28 during a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanding greater transparency and accountability in the education system. The immediate trigger for the protest was the alleged NEET examination paper leak. He has previously led several campaigns on education reforms and issues concerning Ladakh.
His transfer to the hospital came days after the Delhi High Court directed the authorities to take all necessary measures to safeguard his life during the ongoing fast.
With Parliament’s Monsoon Session scheduled to begin on Monday, the protest is expected to continue. Wangchuk had earlier announced plans to lead a march to Parliament, but following his hospitalisation, Angmo has said she will lead the demonstration on his behalf.
