The Delhi High Court on July 19, 2026, refused to interfere with Sonam Wangchuk’s treatment at Safdarjung Hospital after Delhi Police took him there on July 1 while he was on day 21 of a hunger strike. Single-judge Justice Mini Pushkarna heard the case. Gitanjali Angmo announced plans to file another petition.
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Read at Times of India →The court’s deference to government medical custody during a political hunger strike risks enabling state control over dissenters under the guise of health protection.
“Emphasizes potential erosion of protest rights and bodily autonomy when authorities intervene in non-violent demonstrations.”
The Delhi High Court correctly upheld institutional medical authority and public-order considerations by refusing to second-guess treatment at a government hospital.
“Focuses on the legitimacy of state institutions managing health risks and maintaining order during prolonged protests.”
The court’s refusal to intervene prioritizes state authority over individual bodily autonomy, effectively ratifying police custody of a competent adult on day 21 of a hunger strike.
“Centers on consent, non-aggression, and the expansion of state power whenever health risks arise in political protests.”
All perspectives accept the premise that health monitoring justifies intervention without examining Wangchuk’s competence, the protest’s political content, or the precise medical threshold applied.
“Highlights that unverified access and consent claims, the single-judge posture, and the pre-hearing letter were not tested against evidence of coercion.”
Ratings by MBFC