The Delhi High Court on Tuesday proposed shifting climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, after considering his ongoing medical condition during his indefinite fast over alleged examination irregularities. The court's suggestion came while hearing a petition filed by Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, challenging an earlier order that declined to intervene in his treatment arrangements at Safdarjung Hospital.
A bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia held discussions with doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), who are monitoring Wangchuk's health at Safdarjung Hospital, as well as his personal doctor. After hearing the medical opinions, the court observed that there was agreement among the doctors that Wangchuk required continued monitoring and medical supervision.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the Centre had no objection to shifting Wangchuk to Medanta Hospital. However, he added that the activist should not seek discharge from the hospital against medical advice after being shifted. The court indicated that it would pass a formal order regarding the transfer during the post-lunch session.
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The hearing followed a plea filed by Wangchuk's wife against a Sunday order of the High Court, which had refused to interfere with his treatment at Safdarjung Hospital. In her appeal, Angmo argued that the earlier order effectively restricted Wangchuk's and his family's ability to participate in decisions regarding his medical care despite him not being under arrest.
The dispute arose after Delhi Police removed Wangchuk from his protest site at Jantar Mantar and shifted him to Safdarjung Hospital on the 21st day of his hunger strike. Angmo had sought an urgent hearing, claiming that the transfer and continued treatment arrangements required judicial intervention. However, Justice Mini Pushkarna, during a special Sunday hearing, had declined to interfere, stating that moving the fasting activist to a government hospital for medical care could not be considered arbitrary.
The latest development comes as authorities and medical teams continue to monitor Wangchuk's health amid his prolonged fast. The proposed transfer to Medanta Hospital is aimed at ensuring continued medical supervision while addressing concerns raised by his family regarding treatment arrangements. The High Court's final order on the matter is expected to clarify the next steps in his medical care.
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