19 July,2026 07:01 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Gitanjali Angmo alleges forced hospitalisation of Sonam Wangchuk, Centre rejects claims. File pic
Gitanjali J. Angmo, wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, on Sunday alleged that the Centre's stated concern over his health was merely a "charade", claiming the real objective behind shifting him to Safdarjung Hospital was to prevent him from participating in the proposed July 20 march to Parliament over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, reported the ANI.
Her remarks came shortly after the Delhi High Court declined to grant interim relief seeking Wangchuk's discharge from the government hospital.
Speaking to reporters outside the Delhi High Court, Angmo disputed the government's claim that Wangchuk's health had deteriorated before he was shifted from the Jantar Mantar protest site, according to the ANI.
She alleged that medical reports available with the family showed his health parameters were stable before the transfer and questioned why authorities allegedly moved him without first informing his relatives.
According to Gitanjali J. Angmo, if officials were genuinely concerned about his health, they could have informed the family and arranged for medical evaluation in a transparent manner rather than removing him from the protest site, as per the news agency.
Angmo claimed the government's concern for Wangchuk's health was intended to prevent him from joining the planned march to Parliament, which she said could have drawn widespread public participation.
She also sought permission for Wangchuk to be treated at a hospital of the family's choice, claiming they had greater confidence in doctors selected by them. She further alleged that the hospital environment had adversely affected his health and claimed there was constant police surveillance during family visits.
Drawing a comparison with Wangchuk's detention in Jodhpur Jail in 2025, she alleged that restrictions had been imposed on communication, including access to his electronic devices.
Earlier in the day, the Delhi High Court refused to pass any interim order directing Wangchuk's discharge from Safdarjung Hospital. Justice Mini Pushkarna observed that the material placed before the court did not indicate illegal detention and noted that Wangchuk's wife, brother and other family members had unrestricted access to meet him.
The court also recorded the Centre's submission that Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital after his health deteriorated. According to the government's medical assessment placed before the court, his blood sugar, sodium and potassium levels had fallen below normal limits, while intravenous treatment had not been administered because Wangchuk had not consented to it.
Observing that the government acted in view of his medical condition, the High Court held that shifting Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital could not be termed arbitrary. The matter is scheduled to be heard again after the Centre files its detailed response.
(With inputs from ANI)
