Activist and scientist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to AIIMS Jodhpur on January 31 for a medical check-up after he complained of stomach-related problems, officials said.
Wangchuk, who has been lodged at Jodhpur Central Jail since September 27, 2025, was escorted to the hospital’s emergency department following directions from the Supreme Court. He reportedly spent about one and a half hours in the gastroenterology department before being taken back to the jail.
According to sources at AIIMS, Wangchuk has been facing persistent stomach issues and had also visited the hospital a day earlier, on January 30, for medical tests.
The Supreme Court is currently hearing a petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife and has sought his medical report by February 2. During a hearing on Thursday, the court instructed the jail authorities to arrange an examination by a specialist doctor, specifically a gastroenterologist, at a government hospital.
A bench comprising Justice Arvind Kumar and Justice P.B. Varale observed that medical treatment must be provided strictly in line with the patient’s condition, taking note of submissions highlighting Wangchuk’s worsening health.
During the proceedings, Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj, representing the Rajasthan government, informed the court that Wangchuk had been examined by jail doctors 21 times over the past four months, with the latest check-up conducted on January 26.
However, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Wangchuk, contested the claim, stating that his client continues to suffer from severe stomach pain, which he attributed to the quality of water supplied in jail.
Accepting the need for specialised medical care, the court directed the authorities to ensure that Wangchuk receives appropriate treatment.
Officials also said that Wangchuk has raised concerns about his health on multiple occasions during his custody.