New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Sunday refused to direct the immediate transfer of activist Sonam Wangchuk from the state-run Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital, ruling that the government acted within its lawful rights to hospitalise him given his deteriorating health. The education reformer and climate activist was forcibly relocated by Delhi Police from his indefinite hunger strike site at Jantar Mantar on Saturday morning, a move that sparked intense criticism from his supporters and family members who alleged unlawful detention.
Presiding over the emergency hearing, the division bench clarified that the ultimate decision regarding Wangchuk’s medical condition and treatment plan rests solely with the assigned medical team, which must act strictly in accordance with established medical protocols. The court emphasized that judicial intervention cannot override the expert consensus of professional doctors monitoring a patient on the 21st day of a hunger strike. Addressing the petition filed by his associates, the bench noted that ensuring the preservation of life remains the primary duty of the state and the medical administration.
The court has directed the Delhi Police and hospital authorities to file a comprehensive status report within three days detailing Wangchuk’s clinical health indicators and the exact circumstances surrounding his admission. Despite the legal setback for the organizers, Wangchuk’s family confirmed that he is continuing his fast from his hospital bed, refusing solid food and consuming only water and salt. The High Court has scheduled the next detailed hearing for July 24 to review the state’s medical evaluations and determine the subsequent course of action.
