Police move Wangchuk to hospital on Day 21 of fast
Delhi Police moved Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk to hospital on the 21st day of his fast after court-linked health monitoring and tighter security at Jantar Mantar.
- The Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police said the Delhi High Court order required close health monitoring of Sonam Wangchuk.
- Wangchuk’s wife said his personal physician and lawyer were not being allowed access, and Wangchuk was refusing specific medical interventions while hospitalised.
- Delhi Police increased security at the hospital gates after the transfer from the protest site.
Delhi Police moved Sonam Wangchuk from the Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Government Hospital after his indefinite hunger strike entered its 21st day. The case matters for UPSC because it combines public order, judicial oversight, and the constitutional space for peaceful protest in New Delhi.
What happened
Sonam Wangchuk, who was demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, was taken from the protest site to hospital. The move followed a brief shutdown of mobile internet in the area and came soon after court-related security action at the site.
UPSC can frame the issue around the balance between public order and the constitutional right to protest, especially when a hunger strike raises a medical emergency. The Delhi High Court’s supervisory role, police discretion, and informed consent in hospital treatment create a useful case study for GS2 and GS4.
