New Delhi: The Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) of AIIMS, New Delhi, and the Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) of VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital have
separately appealed to President Droupadi Murmu, seeking her intervention over the police action during the Jantar Mantar protest and activist Sonam Wangchuk's continued hospitalisation. In separate representations, the two resident doctors' bodies urged the President to order an independent, impartial and time-bound inquiry into the events at Jantar Mantar, where protesters marching towards Parliament over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy were stopped by Delhi Police. The Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) of VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, in a four-page representation, said Sonam Wangchuk's medical condition and the need for continued hospitalisation should be determined solely through independent clinical judgement. However, it stressed that every competent patient has the right to dignity, informed consent and treatment in line with established medical ethics and the Constitution. The association said reports suggesting that Wangchuk, despite being a competent patient, was allegedly not allowed to avail Leave Against Medical Advice (LAMA), if true, raise "serious concerns regarding informed consent, personal liberty and constitutional rights". It further said hospitals are meant to provide medical care and should not be viewed as places of detention unless such restrictions are authorised by law and follow due process.
Doctors Seek Probe Into Police Action
In its letter, the AIIMS RDA said reports of police action against protesters had raised serious concerns.
"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 unsettling."
The association added: "While certain aspects of the incident remain contested, videos and eyewitness accounts available in the public domain have raised serious questions regarding the manner in which peaceful democratic dissent was handled."
The doctors also flagged videos allegedly showing police personnel covering their faces and name badges.
"Particularly concerning are videos that appear to show police personnel with their faces and name badges covered, undermining transparency and accountability in law enforcement."
The AIIMS RDA urged the President to:
- Ensure an independent, impartial and time-bound inquiry into the Jantar Mantar events.
- Investigate allegations of excessive use of force by law enforcement personnel.
- Protect citizens' constitutional right to peaceful protest and free expression.
- Questions Raised Over Sonam Wangchuk's Hospitalisation
Both the AIIMS RDA and the VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital RDA also expressed concern over reports that Sonam Wangchuk was not allowed to leave Safdarjung Hospital despite reportedly seeking Leave Against Medical Advice (LAMA).
The AIIMS doctors wrote: "Reports suggesting that he was not permitted to leave the hospital despite expressing a desire to seek leave against medical advice, if accurate, raise important questions regarding the autonomy and rights of patients."
The association stressed that a patient's right to refuse treatment is a fundamental medical and legal principle.
"The principle of informed consent and a competent patient's right to refuse or discontinue treatment are fundamental ethical and legal principles of medical practice. Any departure from these principles should be subject to due legal process and transparent justification."
The VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital RDA also sought the President's intervention over Wangchuk's continued hospitalisation, echoing concerns over patient autonomy and medical ethics.
Calling themselves apolitical organisations, the resident doctors said they support every citizen's democratic right to peaceful protest.
"We believe every individual has the democratic right to peaceful protest, and we hope that all genuine concerns are heard and addressed through constructive dialogue."
The AIIMS RDA concluded its letter by expressing confidence in the President's constitutional role.
"We place our faith in Your Excellency's constitutional office to safeguard the rights and liberties of all citizens and to ensure that the rule of law prevails."
The representations come amid growing scrutiny over the police crackdown on the CJP-led 'Sansad Chalo' march and Wangchuk's continued stay at Safdarjung Hospital after he was taken there by Delhi Police during his indefinite hunger strike.
