- Delhi High Court on July 21 ordered shifting Sonam Wangchuk from Safdarjung to Medanta Hospital, stating it fulfils requirements to ensure his fundamental rights.
- The court noted a broad consensus among doctors that Wangchuk needs constant monitoring due to his hunger strike, and flagged concerns over low TLC and potassium levels.
- The division bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia disposed of an appeal by his wife Dr. Gitanjali Angmo challenging a refusal to permit transfer.
- The court directed immediate transfer to Medanta hospital in Gurgaon and that the hospital form a team of doctors to constantly monitor his condition and administer medication per protocol.
- The court directed that Angmo be given access to her husband and that Wangchuk abide by the medical team's treatment.
The Delhi High Court has mandated the transfer of activist Sonam Wangchuk to Medanta Hospital, citing the need to protect his fundamental rights during his ongoing hunger strike. The court's decision, delivered by a division bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, was influenced by medical concerns raised by doctors regarding Wangchuk's health.1234
The court noted, "We are of opinion that the husband of appellant ought to be shifted to hospital of his choice", referring to Wangchuk's wife, Dr. Gitanjali Angmo, who filed the appeal for his transfer. The judges emphasized that the transfer to Medanta would fulfill the requirements of ensuring his fundamental rights, particularly under Article 19 and 21 of the Indian Constitution.5
Wangchuk, who was taken into custody by Delhi Police on July 18 while protesting against the alleged NEET paper leak, had been receiving treatment at Safdarjung Hospital. The court had previously ordered daily clinical monitoring of his health, which was deemed necessary due to concerns over his low TLC and potassium levels.
The court also directed that Angmo must have access to her husband during his hospitalization and that Wangchuk must comply with the medical team's treatment protocols at Medanta. The Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, confirmed that there would be no objections to Wangchuk's transfer, underscoring the court's focus on his life and safety above all else.
“The division bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia disposed of an appeal by Wangchuk's wife seeking transfer. The court had noted a broad consensus among doctors that he requires constant monitoring due to his hunger strike, with concerns over low TLC and potassium levels.”
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