A court in New Delhi has declined to order the release of hunger-striking activist Sonam Wangchuk from a state-run hospital, ruling that authorities acted within their rights when they moved him there against his wishes. The Delhi High Court on Sunday said the government's decision to admit Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital was not arbitrary. Main Developments Judge Mini Pushkarna stated that doctors had administered only oral fluids and supplements with Wangchuk's consent, adding that no force was being used against him or any violation of his bodily autonomy. Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, had sought permission to transfer him to Vedanta Hospital, a private facility, alleging illegal detention. The government opposed the transfer request, arguing it had to be cautious about Wangchuk's health. Authorities noted that his wife and close family members had been given round-the-clock access. Safdarjung Hospital reported that Wangchuk's vital parameters are stable, though his blood parameters remain marginally altered, requiring sustained medical intervention and monitoring. Read also: Iran Strikes Kuwait Power Plant, Bahrain Sites in Gulf Escalation Background Wangchuk, 59, has been fasting since June 28 in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a group formed by Indian youths demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over 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, drawing support across India. On Thursday, the court had asked authorities to monitor Wangchuk's health closely and intervene if necessary, in response to a petition seeking force-feeding as his health weakened. The CJP plans to march to Parliament on Monday, the first day of its latest session, to press its demands. Why It Matters The case highlights tensions between government authority and individual rights in India, particularly around medical treatment and protest. The court's refusal to order Wangchuk's discharge sets a precedent for how authorities can intervene in hunger strikes, potentially affecting future protest strategies. What's Next The court ordered a status report to be filed before the next hearing scheduled for Friday. Meanwhile, Wangchuk remains at Safdarjung Hospital under medical observation, with the CJP's planned march to Parliament expected to proceed as scheduled.