'Concerns cannot be ignored'; Delhi High Court allows Sonam Wangchuk's transfer to private hospital

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday allowed environmentalist and education activist Sonam Wangchuk to be shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to the private Medanta Hospital after his health reportedly deteriorated. Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike over the NEET question paper leak controversy. The court said the official order permitting the transfer would be issued after lunch. Wangchuk is currently undergoing treatment at the government-run Safdarjung Hospital.

The High Court made the decision after considering a letter submitted by Wangchuk highlighting his deteriorating health. His lawyer, Akhil Sibal, told the court that Wangchuk was being kept in isolation at the hospital against his will. According to the letter, Wangchuk's mobile phone had been taken away, he was not being allowed to meet anyone, and strict police restrictions were in place. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the Centre had no objection to shifting Wangchuk to Medanta Hospital. However, he said the transfer could take place only with the government's approval.

Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike for 21 consecutive days at Jantar Mantar before the Delhi Police forcibly shifted him to Safdarjung Hospital a few days ago. Earlier, the High Court had directed authorities to take all necessary steps to protect Wangchuk's life after concerns were raised that his prolonged fast could affect his vital organs. Delhi Police later told the court that Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital in compliance with that order.