NEW DELHI: In a major judicial intervention , the Delhi High Court has officially ordered the immediate transfer of prominent climate activist and educational reformer Sonam Wangchuk from the government-run Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram regarding the ongoing nationwide protests. Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike protesting alleged systemic irregularities, severely compromising his physical health.
The High Court’s Directive on Fundamental Rights
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia delivered the crucial ruling on Tuesday. The court was hearing an appeal filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Dr. Gitanjali Angmo, which directly challenged a Single Judge’s earlier refusal on July 19 to permit his transfer to a private healthcare facility. During the proceedings, Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal, representing Dr. Angmo, powerfully argued that Sonam Wangchuk’s fundamental rights under Articles 19 and 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantee him the right to choose the hospital where he wishes to receive specialized medical treatment.
The bench accepted this constitutional argument, firmly observing that Wangchuk ought to be shifted to a medical facility of his own choosing. The court emphasized that an individual’s right to life and bodily autonomy extends to deciding where they receive critical healthcare, provided it does not directly interfere with the state’s obligations. By permitting the transfer to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, the court stated it was adequately protecting these fundamental rights.
Sonam Wangchuk’s Medical Reports Examined Before Decision
Before arriving at this decision, the court thoroughly examined Sonam Wangchuk’s medical records and interacted with medical professionals from AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, and his personal physicians. The bench noted a broad, unanimous consensus among both government and private doctors that Wangchuk requires continuous, round-the-clock medical monitoring due to the severe physical toll of his ongoing fast.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared on behalf of the Union Government and Delhi Police, informed the court that the authorities had no formal objections to the transfer. He acknowledged that Medanta is a highly reputed hospital, but stipulated a strict condition that Wangchuk must not be allowed to seek a discharge against medical advice.
Following this agreement, the court directed the Director of Medanta Hospital to constitute a specialized team of doctors with the requisite expertise to monitor his condition continuously and administer treatment according to established medical protocols. Furthermore, the court mandated that all pathological reports and treatment details prepared at Safdarjung must be immediately supplied to the Medanta medical team to ensure a seamless transition of care.
ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi Detained at Lok Kalyan Marg Amid Massive Protest Over NEET Paper Leaks
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU: Video: Influencers Andrew Tate & Brother Tristan Arrested in US Over Sex Trafficking Charges In UK
Unrestricted Access and Ongoing Support
The court also explicitly ordered that Dr. Gitanjali Angmo must be granted unrestricted access to visit her husband at Medanta, subject only to standard medical and ICU protocols. However, the court also placed a reciprocal responsibility on Wangchuk, directing him to fully cooperate with and abide by the prescribed treatments from his new medical team. This transfer marks a critical juncture in the ongoing hunger strike protests, ensuring his physical survival while his supporters continue their demonstrations in central Delhi.