AIIMS doctors appeal to the President for an inquiry into the events at Jantar Mantar, Wangchuk’s hospital
The RDA has also flagged videos that allegedly show police personnel with their faces and name tags covered. | Photo credit: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap
The Resident Doctors’ Association of All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi on Tuesday (July 21, 2026) appealed to President Droupadi Murma to order an independent, time-bound inquiry into the events at Jantar Mantar the day before.
The RDA also expressed concern over reports that activist Sonam Wangchuk was not allowed to leave Safdarjung Hospital despite seeking leave against medical advice (LAMA), saying such claims, if true, raise questions about patient autonomy and rights.
In a representation to President Droupadi Murma on July 20, the association said: “Reports indicating the use of lathi charge, tear gas and physical force against a large number of peaceful protesters, including students, doctors and young citizens, are deeply disturbing.”
“While certain aspects of the incident remain disputed, videos and eyewitness accounts available in the public domain have raised serious questions about the way peaceful democratic dissent was handled,” it said.
The RDA has also flagged videos that allegedly show police personnel with their faces and name tags covered.
“Of particular concern are the videos, which appear to show police personnel with their faces and name tags covered, undermining transparency and accountability in law enforcement,” the letter said.
Referring to Mr Wangchuk’s continued hospitalisation, the association said: “Reports suggesting he was not allowed to leave hospital despite expressing a wish to seek leave against medical advice, if correct, raise important questions about patient autonomy and rights.”
“The principle of informed consent and the right of a competent patient to refuse or discontinue treatment are fundamental ethical and legal principles of medical practice. Any deviation from these principles should be subject to due legal process and transparent justification,” it said.
The association asked the president to “ensure that an independent, impartial and time-bound investigation is carried out into the events that took place at Jantar Mantar”, investigate allegations of excessive use of force by law enforcement personnel, protect citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful protest and freedom of expression, and seek clarification of the circumstances surrounding Wangchuk’s ongoing hospitalization.
Calling itself an apolitical association, the RDA said: “We believe that every individual has a democratic right to peaceful protest and we hope that all genuine concerns will be heard and resolved through constructive dialogue.”
“We trust in Your Excellency’s constitutional office to protect the rights and freedoms of all citizens and ensure that the rule of law prevails,” the letter reads.
Published – 21 Jul 2026 13:05 IST