The Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk be shifted immediately from Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram for further treatment, following concerns over his health after a 20-day hunger strike.
Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar in support of students protesting alleged examination irregularities. He was removed from the protest site by Delhi Police and admitted to Safdarjung Hospital, prompting legal proceedings over his medical care.
Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar in support of students protesting alleged examination irregularities. He was removed from the protest site by Delhi Police and admitted to Safdarjung Hospital, prompting legal proceedings over his medical care.
The High Court's order came while hearing a petition filed by Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, who sought his transfer to Medanta Hospital, arguing that his health had deteriorated significantly after nearly three weeks without food. The plea requested that he be allowed to receive treatment at a private medical facility of the family's choice.
The court allowed the request and directed that Wangchuk be shifted to Medanta Hospital, where he will continue to receive treatment under a panel of doctors. The order marked a change from the court's earlier position, when it had accepted the Centre's decision to continue his treatment at the government-run Safdarjung Hospital.
Appearing for the Union government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the Centre had no objection to Wangchuk being transferred to Medanta Hospital. However, he urged the court to ensure that Wangchuk was not discharged against medical advice.
Mehta expressed concern that Wangchuk could attempt to return to the protest site before fully recovering, which, according to the government, could pose a serious risk to his health.
"He can choose his hospital and his doctors. He should not get discharged against medical advice. What if he goes back to the protest site? What if something happens to him? He cannot take such a risk," Mehta submitted before the court.
During the hearing, the High Court examined Wangchuk's medical reports and interacted with the treating doctors. The Bench observed that there appeared to be a consensus among the medical experts that Wangchuk required continued hospital monitoring. While doctors indicated that such care could be provided at any suitable medical facility, one of the treating physicians, Dr. Tandon, specifically recommended that Wangchuk remain under hospital supervision.
Taking note of these medical opinions, the Bench observed that Medanta was the hospital preferred by Wangchuk and his family and approved the transfer.
After the order, Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, thanked the Delhi High Court in a post on X and praised the legal team representing her husband, describing the order as a significant legal victory achieved under difficult circumstances.
The court's order pertains only to Wangchuk's medical treatment and does not address the merits of the ongoing protests. Meanwhile, demonstrations linked to alleged examination irregularities continue, with protesters demanding greater transparency and accountability in the conduct of competitive examinations.
Sources: India Today
