The Delhi High Court has supported the government’s action to move climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital. The court found the step justified due to his worsening condition after a prolonged hunger strike. It dismissed claims of detention or violation of bodily autonomy, noting he remains free and treatment occurred only with consent.
The ruling responded to a petition by his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, requesting transfer to Medanta hospital of his choice. The court issued notices to authorities and asked for a status report within three days, with the next hearing set for Thursday. No interim relief was granted.
Arguments were heard from both sides along with doctors from Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS emergency medicine.
The bench noted Wangchuk had fasted for 17-18 days. A prior order had addressed his critical health. Officials cited low blood sugar and dangerously low potassium levels worsened by humid weather. The court held the shift based on medical grounds was not arbitrary and stressed protection of life.
On detention claims, the court stated Wangchuk was not held against his will and remained a free citizen. It observed he had not voluntarily admitted himself, so the government could act on health grounds.
The bench rejected arguments of forced treatment or autonomy breach. Doctors treated him only with consent, and family access exceeded normal limits, including outside visiting hours.
Angmo cited conflicting potassium reports and sought a second opinion, noting a level of 2.9 required verification.
