Summary
The Delhi High Court has refused to order the transfer of activist Sonam Wangchuk from Safdarjung Hospital to a private facility. The court said the government's decision to move him from his protest site to the hospital was not arbitrary. Doctors are closely monitoring his condition, and his family has been given round-the-clock access. The court will hear the case again on July 24.
Main Impact
The court's decision means Wangchuk will remain at Safdarjung Hospital for now. His wife had asked for him to be moved to Medanta Hospital, but the court did not grant this request. The government argued that it acted carefully because Wangchuk's health had become critical after 21 days of a hunger strike.
Key Details
What Happened
Justice Mini Pushkarna heard a petition from Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo. She wanted the court to order his transfer to a private hospital. The court said no interim relief was needed at this stage. It noted that doctors at Safdarjung Hospital are monitoring Wangchuk closely and that there is no evidence of force being used against him.
Important Numbers and Facts
The court observed that Wangchuk was moved to the hospital on the 21st day of his hunger strike. His family has been given a room at the hospital and can visit him anytime. The court called this arrangement "unprecedented." The government said Wangchuk's vital parameters had become critical, which is why he was admitted. The next hearing is scheduled for July 24.
Background and Context
Sonam Wangchuk is a well-known activist from Ladakh. He started an indefinite hunger strike to protest alleged irregularities in the NEET exam and student suicides after the exam paper was cancelled. He was removed from Jantar Mantar in Delhi by police and taken to Safdarjung Hospital. His wife argued that he should be allowed to choose his own hospital as a free citizen. The government said it acted to protect his health.
Public or Industry Reaction
Wangchuk's wife said she had lost confidence in Safdarjung Hospital and wanted her husband to be treated where he felt comfortable. She said Medanta Hospital had agreed to send an emergency van. The government opposed allowing lawyers to visit Wangchuk in the hospital, saying it was not necessary. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the wife, argued that no court can force someone to undergo treatment against their will.
What This Means Going Forward
The court has asked the Centre, Safdarjung Hospital, and Delhi Police to file their responses within three days. The case will be heard again on July 24. Until then, Wangchuk will stay at Safdarjung Hospital. The court has made it clear that doctors will follow medical protocols and that Wangchuk can choose whether to accept treatment. The government has also offered to shift him to AIIMS if the court directs.
Final Take
The Delhi High Court has balanced the activist's rights with the government's duty to protect his health. While the court did not order a transfer, it has ensured that Wangchuk's family has access to him and that doctors are making medical decisions. The case highlights the tension between personal choice and medical necessity during a protest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Delhi High Court refuse to transfer Sonam Wangchuk to a private hospital?
The court said the government's decision to move him to Safdarjung Hospital was not arbitrary. Doctors are monitoring him closely, and there is no evidence of force or violation of his bodily autonomy. The court also noted that his family has been given round-the-clock access.
What was Sonam Wangchuk protesting about?
Sonam Wangchuk was on a hunger strike to protest alleged irregularities in the NEET exam and student suicides after the exam paper was cancelled. He was removed from Jantar Mantar in Delhi by police on the 21st day of his strike.
What happens next in this case?
The court has asked the government, hospital, and police to file their responses within three days. The next hearing is on July 24. Until then, Wangchuk will remain at Safdarjung Hospital, and doctors will continue to monitor his health.
