Climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalised on Saturday, 18 July after his health deteriorated following more than 20 days of hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. His wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, immediately issued a public directive stating that no oral or intravenous treatment should be administered to him without explicit consent from her, his family, and the doctors who have been monitoring his condition throughout the strike.

Wife's Directive on Treatment

Gitanjali J. Angmo, posting on social media platform X from Safdarjung Hospital, said: 'I am at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi where Sonam Wangchuk has been admitted. Nothing should be administered to him orally or intravenous without take consent from me, his family and his doctors who have been monitoring his health for the past 20 days.' The statement underscores the family's intent to retain control over medical decisions amid what has become a high-profile political standoff.

Hospital Transfer and Police Action

Wangchuk was shifted to hospital in the early hours of Saturday in compliance with directions from the Delhi High Court and on the advice of medical experts. Police personnel reached the protest site at Jantar Mantar to facilitate the transfer, which was accompanied by sloganeering and resistance from fellow activists.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi), in a post on X, stated: 'As per orders of Hon'ble High Court and on expert medical advise due to the deteriorating health condition of Sh. Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care. While complying with the orders of Hon'ble High Court the protestors tried to create obstruction, in which slight commotion ensued, however police took maximum restrain and undertook the exercise safely. We request the protestors at Jantar Mantar to peacefully vacate the place at the earliest.'

Delhi High Court's Role

The hospitalisation came ahead of a scheduled Delhi High Court hearing on Wangchuk's health. Earlier in the week, the court had directed authorities to conduct daily clinical health assessments of the activist, observing that 'the life of any citizen is precious' and instructing the Centre to ensure all necessary medical intervention to safeguard his life. The court's proactive stance reflects the legal and humanitarian dimensions of a protest that has drawn national attention.

Background: NEET Controversy and Demands

Wangchuk launched the hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. The strike, now past its third week, has escalated in both medical urgency and political significance. He had also called for a march on 20 July from Jantar Mantar to Parliament House — timed to coincide with the first day of the Monsoon Session — to further press his demand for Pradhan's resignation.

What Comes Next

With Wangchuk now under hospital care and the Delhi High Court monitoring his condition, attention turns to whether the Centre will respond to his demands or whether the standoff will continue into the Monsoon Session. The planned 20 July march remains a flashpoint, with activists at Jantar Mantar yet to vacate the site as of Saturday.