The Delhi High Court has directed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to continue medical treatment at Safdarjung Hospital following a long hunger strike. The court rejected a plea to transfer him to a private facility, noting his critical health status. Officials confirmed he is not under detention, and the court has ordered that his medical reports be shared with his family.
The Delhi High Court has concluded that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk will remain under the care of doctors at Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi. This decision comes after a legal challenge filed by his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, who sought to move him to a private hospital for continued treatment. The court's ruling follows a prolonged hunger strike by Wangchuk, which lasted approximately 17 to 18 days and left him in a medically critical condition.
During the proceedings, legal representatives for the petitioner argued that as a free citizen not facing criminal charges or detention, Wangchuk should have the autonomy to select his medical providers and treatment environment. They suggested that public health officials could continue to monitor his progress even if he were transferred to a private institution. In response, government counsel emphasized that Safdarjung Hospital, as a major public facility, was equipped to handle his intensive care needs, particularly given his reported low blood sugar and potassium levels.
The High Court observed that while the petitioner expressed concerns regarding the transparency of his medical care—specifically highlighting conflicting reports on his potassium levels—the hospital had allowed his family access beyond standard visiting hours. The court clarified that Wangchuk is not in custody and that any treatment provided at Safdarjung is done with his consent. To address concerns about communication, the court directed the hospital to share all medical reports directly with his family.
While the court did not force specific medical interventions, it urged Wangchuk to cooperate with the team at Safdarjung to ensure his recovery. The presence of security personnel, which had been raised as a point of contention regarding privacy, was described by authorities as a precautionary measure given the public interest in his condition following the hunger strike. The court has scheduled further hearings to monitor the situation, focusing on ensuring continued transparency in his medical care and his ongoing recovery process.