Delhi HC Allows Sonam Wangchuk's Transfer to Medanta Hospital Amid Ongoing Hunger Strike
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday granted relief to activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk by permitting his transfer from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital, overturning an earlier decision that had denied the request. The order came after Wangchuk's family challenged the previous ruling before a division bench.
The court directed Safdarjung Hospital to immediately share Wangchuk's complete medical records, investigation reports and treatment details with Medanta Hospital. It also instructed Medanta to constitute a dedicated team of specialists to oversee his treatment after the transfer. A detailed order from the court is expected separately.
The matter reached the division bench after Wangchuk's wife, Dr Gitanjali Angmo, appealed against the single-judge order that had refused permission for the transfer. During the proceedings, she placed medical opinions and documents on record from doctors familiar with Wangchuk's long-term health condition as well as physicians associated with his ongoing protest.
Representing the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that AIIMS doctors had already been deployed at Safdarjung Hospital to monitor Wangchuk's health in compliance with previous judicial directions.
The Union government told the bench that it had no objection to Wangchuk receiving treatment at Medanta Hospital. However, it requested the court to ensure that he remains under continuous medical supervision and is discharged only when the treating doctors consider it medically appropriate.
The latest order comes days after the single-judge bench held that shifting Wangchuk from the Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Hospital did not violate his rights, observing that he was receiving appropriate medical care while continuing his hunger strike. The court had earlier noted that his treatment was being administered with his consent and under close observation.
With Tuesday's ruling, Wangchuk will now continue his treatment at Medanta Hospital under the supervision of a specialised medical team while legal proceedings relating to his ongoing hunger strike continue.
