Wife of Indian activist Wangchuk asks court to move him to private hospital
The Delhi High Court has upheld the government's decision to move hunger-striking activist Sonam Wangchuk to a state-run hospital, citing health concerns. His wife had requested a transfer to a private facility, alleging illegal detention, but the court found no violation of his rights.
Why it matters
The case highlights tensions between individual protest rights and state intervention in health matters during high-profile political campaigns.
NEW DELHI, July 19 (Reuters) - Indian authorities were right to move hunger-striking activist Sonam Wangchuk to a government hospital because he had not admitted himself despite his deteriorating health, a court said on Sunday, declining to order his immediate discharge.
The Delhi High Court said the government’s decision to move Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital against his wishes was not arbitrary. It ordered a status report to be filed before the next hearing scheduled forFriday.
Wangchuk, 59, has been fasting since June 28 in solidarity with India's Cockroach Janta Party, which was formed by Indian youths and is demanding federal Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan step downover exam paper leaks in May that affected millions of students.
The campaign has emerged as a rare public challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government and has drawn support across India.
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