Delhi High Court Upholds Sonam Wangchuk's Hospital Treatment Amid Hunger Strike

The Delhi High Court has decided not to intervene in the treatment of activist Sonam Wangchuk at Safdarjung Hospital, following a petition from his wife seeking a transfer to a private facility. The court emphasized that Wangchuk is being closely monitored by medical staff and has access to his family. This decision comes as Wangchuk continues his hunger strike, which began on June 28, protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and the subsequent suicides of students. The case will be revisited on July 24, raising questions about patient rights and medical care.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 19, 2026, 17:01 IST

Court Decision on Sonam Wangchuk's Medical Care

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has decided not to intervene in the treatment of activist Sonam Wangchuk at Safdarjung Hospital, as of Sunday.

Justice Mini Pushkarna stated that there was no need for an interim order regarding a petition filed by Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, who requested his transfer to a private hospital. This petition is scheduled for a hearing on July 24.

During a special session on Sunday, Justice Pushkarna noted that the medical team at Safdarjung is closely observing the activist, and there is no evidence of any force being applied against him that would violate his bodily autonomy.

The judge further remarked that the government's decision to move Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital was not arbitrary.

Wangchuk's family, including his wife, brother, and brother-in-law, have been granted continuous access to him.

The court has issued notices to the Centre, Safdarjung Hospital, and local police regarding Angmo's request for his transfer.

Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma assured that there should be no concerns about Wangchuk's care at Safdarjung, emphasizing the need for his cooperation.

The court acknowledged that Wangchuk would comply with medical interventions if he chooses to do so.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioner, expressed the desire for Wangchuk to be moved to Medanta Hospital.

Sibal highlighted that Wangchuk is not in detention and questioned whether a patient could be denied admission to a hospital of their preference.

On Saturday, Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital by the Delhi Police against his will after completing 21 days of a hunger strike.

His hunger strike began on June 28, protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and the tragic suicides of several students following the cancellation of the exam.