Activist Sonam Wangchuk will continue to receive treatment at Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital after the Delhi High Court declined to grant interim relief on a plea filed by his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, seeking his transfer to a private hospital.
A bench led by Justice Mini Pushkarna observed that the authorities acted within their powers by hospitalising Wangchuk after his health deteriorated during a three-week hunger strike over the alleged NEET paper leak and education reforms. The court ruled that no interim order was required at this stage.
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During the hearing, doctors informed the court that Wangchuk had voluntarily accepted oral medication without sugar and was under constant medical supervision. The judge said there was no evidence of force or violation of his autonomy. The court also noted that his wife and family members had unrestricted access to meet him.
Representing Angmo, senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued that Wangchuk should be shifted to Medanta Hospital, asserting that patients have the right to choose where they receive treatment. The Centre opposed the request, with Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma stating that shifting Wangchuk could pose health risks and emphasising that even the President receives treatment at government hospitals.
The High Court directed the medical team to take all necessary decisions regarding Wangchuk’s treatment and asked the Centre to submit a status report within three days. The matter will next be heard on July 24. Angmo’s counsel, senior advocate Vivek Tankha, said the order would be challenged before a division bench, while she is also expected to lead a march to Parliament on Sunday.
