AIIMS doctors appeal to President over inquiry into events at Jantar Mantar, Wangchuk's hospitalisation
The Resident Doctors' Association of AIIMS has petitioned the President of India for an inquiry into the handling of recent protests at Jantar Mantar. They also expressed concern over the alleged forced hospitalization of activist Sonam Wangchuk, citing potential violations of patient autonomy.
Why it matters
The appeal highlights growing tensions regarding police conduct during civil protests and the ethical boundaries of medical care in politically sensitive cases.
The Resident Doctors' Association of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, on Tuesday (July 21, 2026) appealed to President Droupadi Murmu to order an independent, time-bound inquiry into the events at Jantar Mantar a day ago.
The RDA also raised concerns over reports that activist Sonam Wangchuk was not allowed to leave Safdarjung Hospital despite seeking a Leave Against Medical Advice (LAMA), saying that such claims, if accurate, raised questions about patients' autonomy and rights.
In a representation to President Droupadi Murmu on July 20, the association said, "Reports indicating the use of lathi charge, tear gas, and physical force against a large number of peaceful protesters, including students, doctors and young citizens, are deeply unsettling."
“While certain aspects of the incident remain contested, videos and eyewitness accounts available in the public domain have raised serious questions regarding the manner in which peaceful democratic dissent was handled," it said.
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