"Lost Faith in Safdarjung Hospital": Wangchuk's Wife Approaches Delhi HC Alleging Illegal Detention

New Delhi- Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali, has approached the Delhi High Court seeking an urgent hearing and permission to shift the Ladakh climate activist from Safdarjung Government Hospital, where she alleged he is being held under “illegal detention” amid heavy police presence. In a strongly worded statement, Gitanjali expressed complete loss of faith in the hospital’s medical care and transparency regarding her husband’s health.

“I have lost faith in Safdarjung Government Hospital. The hospital told us Wangchuk’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 potassium levels.’ An independent laboratory test reported 3.5, well within the normal range,” Gitanjali stated.

Despite repeated requests, the hospital has refused to discharge him or allow the family to shift him to a private hospital of their choice. “With around 30 police personnel stationed on our floor and well over 100 across the hospital, our movement is severely restricted. It is not medical care. It is illegal detention. If anything happens to Sonam, the hospital authorities and the government must bear full responsibility,” she added. Gitanjali has moved the High Court praying for immediate relief before Wangchuk’s health deteriorates further.

On Saturday morning, Sonam Wangchuk was forcefully lifted by Delhi Police and taken to Safdarjung Hospital. Gitanjali, however, directed the physicians not to administer anything without her consent. Wangchuk is continuing his fast and has refused to take coconut water or drip as suggested by the doctors.

Meanwhile, a handwritten poster note sent by Sonam has reached supporters, urging the youth to make the July 20 Parliament march a success. Wangchuk termed the ongoing movement as a “second war of independence for a fear-free and peaceful India.”

The development comes as Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike entered its critical phase at Jantar Mantar, where the Climate Activist and CJP-linked protesters have been demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over repeated exam paper leaks, systemic failures in the education system, and accountability for student suicides. The activist’s condition has been a point of concern, with the family questioning the hospital’s handling of his health parameters and the restrictions imposed on them.

Gitanjali’s petition to the Delhi High Court highlights the family’s struggle to exercise their right to choose appropriate medical care for their loved one. “No family should have to fight the system simply to choose where their loved one receives medical care,” she emphasised.

The CJP movement has gained significant traction with creative protests such as the Diaper Donation Drive and the #PradhanGoBack campaign, alongside support from various quarters including Shashi Tharoor’s open letter. Wangchuk’s call for a peaceful Parliament march on July 20 has galvanised youth and student groups across the country, framing the agitation as a broader fight for educational justice and democratic rights.

The Delhi High Court is expected to take up the matter urgently as tensions around the protest site and the activist’s health continue to draw national attention.