Delhi High Court Denies Sonam Wangchuk's Wife's Request for Hospital Transfer

The Delhi High Court has ruled against Geetanjali J. Angmo's petition to transfer her husband, activist Sonam Wangchuk, from Safdarjung Hospital to a private facility. The court upheld the government's decision, emphasizing that Wangchuk's health condition warranted his current hospital stay. The ruling allows family members to visit him at any time and sets the next hearing for July 24. This decision comes amid Wangchuk's hunger strike protesting alleged NEET examination irregularities. The court's observations highlight the importance of medical care and patient rights in such situations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 19, 2026, 18:12 IST

Court Ruling on Hospital Transfer Request

The Delhi High Court dismissed the petition filed by Geetanjali J. Angmo, wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, on Sunday. She sought a transfer from Safdarjung Hospital to a private medical facility. The court sided with the central government, stating that there was no violation of the activist's bodily autonomy, and the decision to keep him at Safdarjung was based on his deteriorating health rather than arbitrary reasons.

Government's Justification for Hospital Stay

Justice Mini Pushkarna, presiding over the single-judge bench, defended the government's position, asserting that it had the right to intervene. This was particularly relevant as Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike in Delhi concerning the NEET UG paper leak, had not voluntarily admitted himself to the hospital despite his declining health. However, the court did issue notices to the central government, Delhi police, and Safdarjung Hospital regarding Angmo's request for a transfer.

Family Visitation Rights Granted

The High Court also mandated that Angmo and Wangchuk's family members should have unrestricted access to him around the clock. The next hearing for the case is scheduled for July 24. On Saturday, the Delhi police transferred Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital on the 21st day of his hunger strike, which he initiated on June 28 in protest against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and the subsequent suicides of several students.

Court's Observations on Medical Care

During the special hearing, Justice Pushkarna noted that doctors at Safdarjung Hospital were closely monitoring Wangchuk's condition, indicating that there was no evidence of coercion against him. The judge further stated that the government's action to move Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar to the hospital could not be deemed arbitrary.

Legal Arguments Presented

Justice Pushkarna also highlighted that Angmo, along with Wangchuk's brother and relatives, had been granted 24-hour visitation rights. The court issued notices to the central government, Safdarjung Hospital, and Delhi police regarding Angmo's petition for a transfer to a private hospital. Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma emphasized that there should be no grounds for doubt in this matter, asserting that the doctors at Safdarjung were providing excellent care, but Wangchuk needed to cooperate with the treatment.

Discussion on Patient Rights

The court remarked that it was unnecessary to state that if required, and if Wangchuk chose to do so, he would cooperate with medical interventions. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioner, expressed a desire for Wangchuk to be transferred to Medanta Hospital. He stressed that Wangchuk was not in custody and questioned whether a person could be denied the right to be admitted to a hospital of their choice.