Sonam Wangchuk seeks temporary hospital discharge to join 'Chalo Parliament' march

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has requested Safdarjung Hospital authorities to allow him to temporarily leave the hospital to participate in the 'Chalo Parliament' march organised by the Cockroach Janta Party on Monday (July 20, 2026).

In a handwritten letter to the medical superintendent, Mr. Wangchuk stated, 'This is to state that I am feeling very fine today and my health parameters are also showing as quite normal. Hence, I request you to kindly allow me to leave the hospital, even if temporarily, so that I can join the march to Parliament — Sansad Chalo — this morning. I shall be most grateful.'

Safdarjung Hospital released a bulletin on Mr. Wangchuk's health, noting, 'Sonam Wangchuk continues to receive comprehensive medical care at VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital. His vital parameters remain stable. Blood parameters continue to warrant close clinical observation. Mr. Wangchuk remains under continuous medical management and the close supervision of a multidisciplinary team of experts.'

The bulletin added, 'Based on the clinical assessment of the treating teams from VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS, New Delhi, continued medical intervention and uninterrupted clinical monitoring remain necessary to ensure early detection and timely management of any potential complications. He is receiving all required medical care, and his clinical condition continues to be closely monitored by a multidisciplinary team of experts.'

Earlier, the Delhi High Court agreed to hear an appeal filed by Mr. Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, challenging an order refusing to transfer him from Safdarjung Hospital to a hospital of his choice. Senior advocate Akhil Sibal, representing Ms. Angmo, argued that Mr. Wangchuk was 'forcibly' picked up without prior intimation on Saturday (July 18, 2026) from the site of his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar and admitted to Safdarjung Hospital.

'We only make a request that he be transferred to a hospital of his choice. His autonomy can't be taken away. That was not the purpose of the High Court's July 16 order. He is entitled to the medical attention of his choice. He is not a detainee. There is no offence that he is accused of,' Mr. Sibal argued.

A Bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia agreed to list the case on Monday (July 20, 2026) itself at 2.30 p.m.