Delhi HC rejects urgent listing of PIL asking Delhi Police action to shift Sonam Wangchuk to hospital to be called ‘illegal’

Delhi HC refuses urgent listing of petition to declare Sonam Wangchuk's hospital shifting as 'illegal'
Sonam Wangchuk (L) and Delhi HC (R), representational image

The Delhi High Court on Monday declined to grant urgent listing to a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the Delhi police action to remove activist Sonam Wangchuk from his hunger strike site at Jantar Mantar and shifting him to Safdarjung Hospital to ensure active health monitoring.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia heard the urgent mentioning. The petitioner argued that the police action on July 18 violated Wangchuk’s fundamental rights under Articles 14 (equality before law) and 19 (freedom of speech and expression) of the Indian Constitution. 

“My prayer is that whatever action was taken by the police officials for removing Wangchuk Sir from protest site to hospital, that was illegal,” the petitioner argued, adding that protesters faced ‘harassment’ and ‘lives were in danger’ due to the Delhi Police action.

Chief Justice Upadhyaya questioned the urgency behind the PIL: “What is the urgency? That can be declared illegal even on Wednesday. You are seeking a declaration that can be made the day after tomorrow also.” The bench directed the matter to be listed in the regular course on Wednesday.

Wangchuk, a political activist from Ladakh who was earlier under arrest for his alleged role in the Ladakh violence, had been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar for over three weeks. He was protesting multiple issues including rampant paper leaks in competitive examinations such as NEET, soaring costs of education, and the rising number of student suicides. His protest gained traction through the satirical “Cockroach Janta Party” campaign against the central government.

One of his main demands has been the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan; however, as per his latest demands, he is no longer interested in seeking Pradhan’s resignation. 

On July 18, Delhi Police, citing medical concerns and a court order amid Wangchuk’s deteriorating health, shifted him to Safdarjung Hospital. The move drew criticism from opposition leaders. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal condemned the action, calling for dialogue rather than force. Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, demanded that no treatment be administered without family consent. Reports from the hospital indicate Wangchuk remained stable but refused intravenous fluids.

A separate petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife is scheduled to be heard by the court later today. 

Interestingly, Wangchuk has stated his willingness to end his hunger strike if any of his three current demands are met. The three demands no longer include the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. The Monsoon Session of Parliament is beginning today, and the CJP is planning a march to Parliament to raise their demands.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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