The Delhi High Court has ordered that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk be transferred immediately from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital. This decision was made during a hearing on July 21, after an appeal was submitted by Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo. Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia directed that Wangchuk must follow the medical advice and treatment protocol provided by Medanta’s healthcare team.

The High Court’s directive came after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta confirmed that the central government had no objections regarding Wangchuk’s transfer to the private facility known for its medical expertise. The judges issued the order with the understanding that Wangchuk required close medical attention.

As part of the ruling, the Director of Medanta Hospital has been instructed to form a medical team to monitor Wangchuk’s treatment. This team is to ensure that all medication is administered according to established medical standards and protocols, and that Wangchuk complies with their recommendations.

Considerations During the Hearing

During the court proceedings, the Bench reviewed various medical reports and discussed Wangchuk’s condition with healthcare professionals from AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital. The judges identified a consensus among medical experts that Wangchuk’s condition demanded ongoing hospital oversight.

Representing Angmo, Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal argued that Wangchuk’s vital signs were stable. He informed the court that Wangchuk was continuing an oral rehydration programme while maintaining his hunger strike. Furthermore, Sibal referenced a letter from Wangchuk, in which he expressed concerns about police surveillance in Safdarjung Hospital and restrictions on his cellphone use.

The Bench acknowledged Wangchuk’s concerns, indicating that these issues must be weighed alongside the widespread professional recommendations for continuous medical supervision. Solicitor General Mehta stressed the necessity of Wangchuk remaining under close medical observation and stated that decisions regarding his discharge should be left to Medanta’s medical staff.

Background of Wangchuk’s Protest

Sonam Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28, voicing his protest against irregularities in examinations and the leak of the NEET-UG paper. He was brought to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police on the morning of July 19, due to concerns about his health amid the hunger strike.

Wangchuk’s prolonged protest has generated substantial public interest, focusing attention on the challenges within educational institutions and the scrutiny of examination integrity. His transfer to Medanta is seen as a critical step in ensuring his health is safeguarded while he continues to advocate for his cause.

The court’s decision to facilitate his move to a private hospital comes within the context of balancing his rights as a protestor with the medical advice that has been issued concerning his health risks due to the hunger strike. The transfer aims to provide Wangchuk with appropriate care while respecting the ongoing legalities surrounding his protest activities.

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