Judiciary – Delhi High Court Declines Plea to Shift Sonam Wangchuk From Government Hospital
Judiciary – The Delhi High Court has declined to interfere with the Centre’s decision to keep environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk at Safdarjung Hospital, ruling that the government’s action in transferring him from Jantar Mantar was lawful. The court also noted that Wangchuk had agreed to receive electrolytes during treatment while continuing his hunger strike.
The court delivered its observations on Sunday while hearing an urgent petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo. The plea sought permission to move him from Safdarjung Hospital to a private medical facility, arguing that he should be allowed to receive treatment at a hospital of his own choice.
Court Finds No Grounds for Immediate Intervention
Justice Mini Pushkarna declined to issue any interim directions that would alter Wangchuk’s ongoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital. The court observed that since the activist had not voluntarily admitted himself to any medical institution despite concerns over his health, the authorities were justified in stepping in to ensure he received medical care.
The judge further stated that the material placed before the court indicated Wangchuk had consented to the administration of electrolytes. As a result, the court found no basis to accept the argument that his right to bodily autonomy had been infringed during the course of his treatment.
Arguments Presented Before the High Court
Representing the petitioner, senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued that Wangchuk was neither under arrest nor facing any criminal proceedings. He questioned why a citizen should be prevented from choosing the hospital where he wishes to receive medical treatment.
On behalf of the Union government, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma referred to an earlier order issued by the Delhi High Court on July 16. That direction had instructed both the Central and Delhi governments to closely monitor Wangchuk’s health while ensuring appropriate medical care.
Hospital Says Health Condition Remains Stable
A medical bulletin released on Sunday by VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital stated that Wangchuk’s vital signs remained stable. Hospital authorities said his condition continued to be monitored by doctors as he remained under treatment while maintaining his hunger strike.
The health update formed an important part of the proceedings, with government representatives maintaining that the activist was receiving proper medical attention under continuous supervision.
Wife Says Strike Could End if Parliament Takes Up Issue
Separately, Gitanjali J. Angmo said Wangchuk is willing to end his indefinite fast if political leaders provide an assurance that the issue of accountability in the education sector will be raised during the ongoing Parliament session.
Her statement linked the continuation of the protest to a broader demand for discussion on educational accountability, suggesting that a commitment from lawmakers could help bring the fast to a conclusion.
Security Tightened Ahead of Planned March
Meanwhile, Delhi Police has strengthened security arrangements across the New Delhi district ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament and the proposed Chalo Sansad march scheduled for Monday by the CJP.
Authorities have enforced prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the provision that replaced the earlier Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The restrictions are intended to maintain law and order during the Parliament session.
Delhi Police also clarified that no permission had been requested or granted for the proposed protest march. In a statement shared on social media, New Delhi district DCP Sachin Sharma said the police had not authorized any such procession and appealed for compliance with the prevailing restrictions.