Delhi High Court Upholds Treatment of Activist Sonam Wangchuk Amid Ongoing Hunger Strike
Court Decision on Sonam Wangchuk's Medical Treatment
File photo of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk during his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. (Photo:PTI)
New Delhi, July 19: On Sunday, the Delhi High Court declined to intervene in the ongoing medical treatment of Sonam Wangchuk at Safdarjung Hospital, affirming that the authorities acted appropriately in transferring him from Jantar Mantar to the state-run facility.
During a special hearing, Justice Mini Pushkarna stated that there was no need for an interim order regarding a petition from Wangchuk's wife, Dr. Gitanjali J Angmo, who requested his transfer to a private hospital.
The case is scheduled for further discussion on July 24.
The court noted, "Given that Mr. Sonam Wangchuk did not voluntarily admit himself to any hospital, the Government was justified in its actions," as reported by a legal news outlet.
Addressing claims of arbitrary removal from Jantar Mantar, the court highlighted that medical professionals at Safdarjung Hospital are closely monitoring Wangchuk's health and found no evidence of coercion or violation of his bodily autonomy.
It was also mentioned that the hospital staff had only provided sugar-free oral rehydration solution (ORS) and Potassium Chloride tablets with Wangchuk's consent.
Justice Pushkarna confirmed that Wangchuk's family members, including his wife, brother, and brother-in-law, have been granted continuous access to him, with a separate room allocated for family visits.
The court issued notices to the Centre, Safdarjung Hospital, and Delhi Police regarding Angmo's petition and instructed the central government to respond within three days.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioner, argued for Wangchuk's transfer to Medanta Hospital, questioning the denial of treatment at a preferred medical facility.
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the Centre, asserted that Wangchuk is receiving adequate medical care at Safdarjung Hospital and encouraged him to cooperate with the medical team.
In response, the court indicated that Wangchuk is free to engage with any medical procedures if he wishes.
Angmo's petition seeks a declaration that Wangchuk's ongoing stay at Safdarjung Hospital is unconstitutional, requesting his immediate discharge and transfer to a private hospital of his choice.
The petition also demands unrestricted access for his legal representatives and personal doctors who have been involved in his care during the hunger strike, and requests the court to prevent authorities from administering any medical treatment without his informed consent or, if he is unable to consent, without his wife's approval.
The Centre opposed the petition, arguing that neither Wangchuk nor his wife were involved in a previous public interest litigation that directed authorities to monitor his health and provide necessary medical intervention.
Wangchuk was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police after completing a 21-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.
The activist from Ladakh has been on an indefinite fast since June 28, calling for accountability regarding alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and raising awareness about student distress following the exam's cancellation and related reports of student suicides.