Delhi High Court Orders Safdarjung Hospital to Submit Health Reports of Activist Sonam Wangchuk

Court Directs Submission of Health Reports

The Delhi High Court instructed Safdarjung Hospital on Monday to present all medical reports and health bulletins concerning climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to the court. The court emphasized that its primary concern is to ensure Wangchuk's safety given the seriousness of the situation. The bench, comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Karia, was hearing a petition filed by Wangchuk's wife, Geetanjali J. Angmo, requesting his transfer to a private hospital.

Details of Medical Reports Required

The court requested Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to ensure that a comprehensive account of the activist's medical reports is recorded. The bench mandated that all pathological reports from Safdarjung, AIIMS, and private labs be submitted by the hospital director along with an affidavit. Additionally, all medical bulletins issued periodically should also be included in the records, with an analysis of samples taken on Monday.

Court Prioritizes Wangchuk's Safety

During the hearing, the court also directed the acting director of AIIMS and the doctors treating Wangchuk in the emergency department to be present. The court stated that its sole focus is on saving his life. Safdarjung Hospital informed the court that Wangchuk is receiving necessary medical care from a team of doctors from both AIIMS and Safdarjung.

Arguments Presented by Wangchuk's Counsel

Senior lawyer Akhil Sibal, representing Wangchuk's wife, argued that he was taken from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung without any medical emergency or consultation on Saturday. He noted that Wangchuk is fully conscious and capable of communication, thus should not be compelled to remain in the hospital. Sibal asserted that hunger strikes are a legitimate form of protest in a democracy and expressed concern over the sequence of events affecting Wangchuk's health.

Government Defends Its Actions

On the other hand, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta defended the government's actions, stating that this is not an ordinary case. He argued that given the potential for a law-and-order crisis and the risk of Wangchuk's health deteriorating further, it was the state's responsibility to ensure his safety. The court was also informed that Wangchuk had requested permission to join a march in March, which was denied.

Wangchuk's Ongoing Hunger Strike

Sonam Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 in support of protests led by the Cockroach Public Party demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Previously, a single judge had denied an interim order to intervene in his treatment and transfer him to a private hospital. The High Court's division bench is expected to deliver its verdict on this matter on Tuesday.