Delhi High Court dismisses petition for release of hunger-striking activist Sonam Wangchuk
The Cockroach Janta Party movement escalates tensions ahead of Monday’s parliamentary session, with founder announcing indefinite fast and plans to march on Parliament House.
The Delhi High Court has rejected a petition filed by Gitanjali Angmo, the wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, seeking his release from a New Delhi hospital where he is being held following a three-week hunger strike. The court dismissed claims that Wangchuk’s confinement constitutes illegal detention, upholding the government’s decision to hospitalise the 59-year-old educator against his wishes.
Judge Mini Pushkarna ruled that bodily autonomy was not violated, noting that medical staff had administered only oral fluids and supplements with Wangchuk’s consent. The court declined to order an immediate discharge, stating that no force had been used against the activist. A further hearing regarding the matter is scheduled for Friday.
Wangchuk was forcibly removed by police from the Jantar Mantar protest site on Saturday, marking the 21st day of his indefinite fast in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement. He was transported to the state-run Safdarjung Hospital, where authorities report his vitals are stable, although his blood parameters remain marginally altered. Despite doctors advising urgent treatment, Wangchuk has refused further medical interventions.
Angmo has characterised the situation as illegal detention, citing a heavy security presence that she argues severely restricts their movement. She reported approximately 30 police personnel stationed on the hospital floor and over 100 across the facility. Angmo stated that the hospital has refused to discharge Wangchuk or allow his transfer to a private facility of their choice, asserting that the environment constitutes detention rather than medical care.
Tensions surrounding the CJP movement, which emerged in May following remarks by the Chief Justice of India comparing unemployed youth to cockroaches, have intensified. The group, which demands the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and an overhaul of the national examination system, has drawn millions of followers online. Following Wangchuk’s removal, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced an indefinite hunger strike, describing the government’s actions as a grave mistake.
The movement plans to march to Parliament in New Delhi when the parliamentary session begins on Monday to press its demands. The CJP is also calling for compensation for the families of students who have died by suicide amid the controversy surrounding the recent medical entrance exam.
