Court Allows Sonam Wangchuk’s Transfer to Medanta
The Delhi High Court has permitted activist Sonam Wangchuk to be transferred from Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, following a request by his family to move him to a medical facility of their choice.
Sonam Wangchuk Hospital Transfer
The court directed that Wangchuk be shifted immediately after the Union government said it had no objection to the transfer. His wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, had approached the court seeking permission for his discharge from Safdarjung Hospital and admission to a private facility.
The petition raised concerns about the circumstances of his hospitalisation and argued that Wangchuk should be allowed to choose where he receives medical treatment. The court’s order facilitates his transfer but does not itself determine the broader allegation that his hospitalisation amounted to illegal detention.
Delhi High Court Hearing
Wangchuk was taken from the Jantar Mantar protest site and admitted to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18 after fasting for about three weeks. Police maintained that the decision followed medical advice and earlier judicial directions requiring authorities to monitor his health.
His family and supporters objected to the manner in which he was removed and sought greater control over his medical care. Hospital authorities said he remained conscious and clinically stable but required continuous monitoring because of the effects of prolonged fasting and dehydration.
NEET Hunger Strike Protest
Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 in support of protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak controversy.
The CJP-led movement has demanded accountability for examination failures, reforms to the testing system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The transfer order concerns Wangchuk’s medical treatment and does not resolve the protesters’ demands or the wider political dispute surrounding the agitation.
