Delhi High Court declines relief in Sonam Wangchuk hospital plea.

Activist to remain at Safdarjung as wife’s request for private shift rejected.

The Delhi High Court has ruled that activist Sonam Wangchuk will continue receiving treatment at Safdarjung Hospital, denying his wife’s plea for an immediate transfer to a private medical facility. The decision came during a special hearing on Sunday, following Wangchuk’s hospitalization after a prolonged hunger strike.

Wangchuk, who has been fasting since June 28 to protest the alleged NEET paper leak and demand reforms in the education system, was admitted to the government hospital by police after his health deteriorated. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, argued that she had lost confidence in Safdarjung’s care and sought his transfer to Medanta Hospital.

Justice Mini Pushkarna, presiding over the matter, stated that the government acted within its rights by admitting Wangchuk, given his refusal to seek medical help despite worsening health. “No interim orders are required to be passed at this stage,” she remarked, emphasizing that the medical team at Safdarjung was closely monitoring his condition.

The court also noted that Wangchuk had consented to oral medication without sugar, countering claims of coercion. “Since doctors administered medicine with his consent, it cannot be said that force is being used or his autonomy violated,” Justice Pushkarna added.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Angmo, insisted that the activist should be treated by doctors of her choice. “It is my body, and I decide where I go,” he argued. However, the government’s counsel, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, stressed that shifting Wangchuk could pose serious risks. He pointed out that even the President of India receives treatment at government hospitals, underscoring their credibility.

The bench directed the medical team to continue making decisions in Wangchuk’s best interest and asked for a status report within three days. The next hearing is scheduled for July 24.

Meanwhile, Angmo plans to lead a march to Parliament to press for their demands, keeping the protest momentum alive. Sources within the government have already cautioned that moving Wangchuk could endanger his life, reinforcing the court’s stance.

Wangchuk’s hunger strike, part of the Cockroach Janta Party’s campaign against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, has drawn significant attention. His deteriorating health and the legal battle over his treatment highlight the tension between individual autonomy and state responsibility in safeguarding lives.