Delhi High Court Orders Sonam Wangchuk’s Transfer to Medanta Hospital Amid Health Concerns
The Delhi High Court has directed the immediate transfer of environmentalist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, granting his request to receive treatment at the private medical facility of his choice. The order came after the court heard an appeal filed by his wife, Dr. Gitanjali Angmo, citing concerns over his deteriorating health following a prolonged hunger strike.
A Division Bench observed that there was broad medical consensus that Wangchuk required continuous monitoring in a hospital setting. After interacting with doctors from AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital and Wangchuk’s personal medical team, the court concluded that shifting him to Medanta would adequately protect both his health and his fundamental rights. The Bench also directed that all medical records and treatment reports from Safdarjung Hospital be handed over to the doctors at Medanta to ensure uninterrupted care.
The Union Government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, informed the court that it had no objection to Wangchuk’s transfer. However, it requested that the activist should not seek discharge against medical advice, expressing concern that he could return to the protest site despite his fragile medical condition. The court accepted this submission while allowing the transfer.
Wangchuk had been admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after being removed by Delhi Police from his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, where he had been fasting in solidarity with students protesting alleged examination paper leaks and demanding accountability from the Union Government. His hospitalization had sparked legal and public debate over patient autonomy, the right to protest, and the State’s obligation to preserve life.
Following the High Court’s order, Wangchuk was shifted to Medanta under medical supervision. According to official health updates, his vital parameters were stable at the time of discharge from Safdarjung Hospital, though he continued to require intensive monitoring because of complications arising from his prolonged fast. Reports indicated that he was admitted to the intensive care unit after reaching Medanta, where a specialized medical team assumed responsibility for his treatment.
The High Court’s intervention marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding Wangchuk’s hospitalization. While emphasizing the importance of safeguarding his life through proper medical care, the court also recognized his right to choose an appropriate healthcare facility. The case continues to attract national attention, reflecting the broader tensions surrounding the ongoing student-led protests and the government’s response to them.
