Activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Dr Gitanjali Angmo, has moved the Delhi High Court seeking permission to shift him from Safdarjung Government Hospital to a private hospital, alleging that he is being illegally detained under the guise of medical treatment.

The plea has been moved after Wangchuk's wife expressed apprehensions over his medical care at the government-run hospital, alleging discrepancies in his reported health condition and accusing the authorities of preventing his discharge.

In a social media post, Wangchuk's wife said she had “lost faith” in Safdarjung Hospital, claiming that hospital authorities had informed them his potassium level had fallen to 2.9, describing it as “alarming” and “life-threatening”. However, she alleged that the hospital's public health bulletin omitted the actual figure and merely referred to “decreasing potassium levels.” She further claimed that an independent laboratory test showed Wangchuk's potassium level at 3.5, which they described as being within the normal range.

She further alleged that despite repeated requests, the hospital authorities had refused to discharge Wangchuk or permit his transfer to a private hospital of his choice.

She also claimed that approximately 30 police personnel were deployed on the hospital floor, with over 100 personnel stationed across the hospital premises, severely restricting the movement of those accompanying him.

Calling the situation “illegal detention” rather than medical care, Wangchuk's wife stated that if any harm were to befall him, the hospital authorities and the government must bear responsibility.

She stated that an urgent hearing has been sought before the Delhi High Court today itself, seeking permission to shift Wangchuk to a private hospital before his health deteriorates further.

For context, the High Court had this week directed the Centre to ensure daily clinical monitoring of Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.

Wangchuk is on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak.

His protest is organized in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-centric political movement.

Wangchuk began the fast on June 28. As his protest entered its third week, his condition noticeably worsened, with reports indicating he has lost over 8 kg and experienced dropping blood sugar levels.