New Delhi, 18 July (H.S.): The Congress on Saturday criticised the Delhi Police action of admitting environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital, calling it an alleged infringement of fundamental rights. Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital from Jantar Mantar, where he had been observing an indefinite hunger strike.

Congress media department chairman and Rajya Sabha MP Pawan Khera, in a post on X, said that the Constitution grants every citizen the right to raise their voice and hold peaceful protests, but alleged that the approach of the Union Home Ministry appeared to be targeting these very rights.

Khera alleged that the Delhi Police functions under the Union Home Ministry and pointed out that a new Police Commissioner had been appointed just a day earlier. He said that if Saturday’s action was the first message from the newly appointed commissioner, it indicated that the priority was more towards serving those in power rather than upholding constitutional responsibilities.

He further alleged that the government had repeatedly demonstrated disregard for constitutional values and democratic norms, referring to incidents involving women wrestlers and former soldiers as examples of what he described as the government’s approach towards peaceful protests.

It may be noted that on the 21st day of Wangchuk’s hunger strike, Delhi Police reached Jantar Mantar early Saturday morning and admitted him to Safdarjung Hospital. The police said the decision was taken in view of the Delhi High Court’s directions and his continuously deteriorating health condition.

During the action, workers of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protested against the move, leading to a confrontation with police personnel. Wangchuk has been on hunger strike demanding an investigation into examination paper leaks and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. His health condition had been deteriorating, and he had reportedly lost around 9.5 kilograms of weight.

The Delhi High Court had on Thursday directed the Centre and the Delhi government to ensure Wangchuk’s daily medical examination and provide treatment if required.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar