The Delhi High Court on Sunday upheld the government’s decision to shift climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital, saying the move was not arbitrary in view of his deteriorating health after an extended hunger strike.

The court also declined to pass any interim order on a plea filed by his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, who had sought his transfer from the government hospital to a private facility.

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Where the law meets the medical file

The court said Wangchuk had not admitted himself to any hospital and that the government was “within its rights” to act.

The order also recorded that Wangchuk’s family had been granted round-the-clock access to him and that he had been provided a separate room at Safdarjung Hospital.

The court further said that, since doctors were closely monitoring his condition and only oral substances had been administered with his consent, it could not be said that force was being used against him.

A different telling of the day’s events

Police and hospital officials separately maintained that Wangchuk was shifted on medical advice and in compliance with the court’s directions.

Delhi Police said there had been “absolutely no lathi-charge or anything of that sort” during the transfer and insisted that no force was used.

The shift happened after his health worsened during a 20-day indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.

What did the court say about Wangchuk’s medical care?

The legal and medical questions around Wangchuk’s treatment have remained central to the dispute.

A public interest petition had earlier sought urgent medical intervention, hospitalization, and mandatory feeding. The High Court directed that his condition be monitored on a daily basis and that any necessary medical intervention be carried out without delay.

The court had stressed that “the life of every citizen is precious” and that all medical efforts should be made to save it.

Also Read | Delhi HC refuses immediate transfer of Sonam Wangchuk from Safdarjung Hospital

FAQs

Q1: Why did the Delhi High Court uphold Sonam Wangchuk’s transfer to Safdarjung Hospital?

The Delhi High Court said the transfer was justified because Wangchuk’s health had deteriorated during his hunger strike and he required medical supervision.

Q2: Did the Delhi High Court allow Sonam Wangchuk to be shifted to a private hospital?

No, the court declined to order his transfer to a private hospital and allowed treatment to continue at Safdarjung Hospital.