The Delhi High Court on Sunday refused to pass an immediate order allowing activist Sonam Wangchuk to be shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to a private medical facility, stating that it needed to consider the "larger picture" before taking any decision. The court was hearing a plea filed by Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, who had sought permission to move him out of the government hospital, alleging restrictions on access and questioning the nature of his medical care. Justice Mini Pushkarna observed that Wangchuk was not under detention and noted that his family members, including his wife, brother and brother-in-law, had been granted access to him.

The court stated that every life is valuable and took note of arrangements made for Wangchuk's family during his hospital stay. It observed that relatives had been provided a separate room and were able to spend time with him. In its order, the court said that no interim direction was required at this stage regarding shifting Wangchuk to another hospital. However, it sought a detailed status report on his health condition within three days and scheduled the next hearing for July 24. The court's decision came after hearing arguments from both sides regarding Wangchuk's medical condition and the circumstances surrounding his hospitalisation.

Wangchuk's wife had alleged restrictions on his movement and access to him at Safdarjung Hospital. In her plea, she claimed that a large police presence inside the hospital had limited their ability to interact freely with him. "30 cops on the floor, over 100 across the hospital, our movement is severely restricted. It is not medical care. It is illegal detention," the plea stated. Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police on Saturday after completing the 21st day of his hunger strike. He had been observing an indefinite fast since June 28 in connection with protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

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The protest had raised demands including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET medical entrance examination and other issues. The police action and subsequent hospitalisation of Wangchuk had drawn attention, with supporters raising concerns over his health and treatment. Authorities, however, have maintained that the decision to take him to the hospital was based on medical considerations after his prolonged fast raised concerns about his physical condition.

During the hearing, the court focused on balancing Wangchuk's medical needs with the concerns raised by his family. By seeking a health status report, the court indicated that it wanted a clearer assessment of his condition before considering any further directions on his treatment or possible transfer. The matter will now come up for further hearing on July 24, when the court is expected to examine the report submitted by authorities and assess the developments regarding Wangchuk's health and hospital stay.

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