Delhi HC clears Sonam Wangchuk's shift to Medanta, cites concerns over Safdarjung stay
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday cleared climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's transfer from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital, observing that while medical experts unanimously recommended continuous hospital monitoring, the concerns raised by Wangchuk over his stay at the government-run facility also deserved consideration.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, hearing an appeal filed by Wangchuk's wife, Dr Gitanjali Angmo, proposed shifting him to the private hospital of his choice after reviewing medical records and interacting with doctors from AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital and Wangchuk's treating team.
‘We propose that he be shifted to Medanta, the hospital of his choice,’ the Bench observed, adding that the issues highlighted by Wangchuk in a letter should also be taken into account.
The court later said it would issue its formal order after the lunch recess.
Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal, appearing for Dr Angmo, told the court that Wangchuk's vital parameters were stable and that he was continuing his hunger strike while taking oral rehydration.
He also referred to a letter in which Wangchuk alleged he was under police surveillance inside Safdarjung Hospital and was not allowed to use his mobile phone.
The Bench asked whether shifting him to Medanta would address these concerns, to which Sibal replied in the affirmative.
During the hearing, the court examined Wangchuk's medical reports, including elevated urea and uric acid levels.
Doctors informed the Bench that the biochemical changes were consistent with prolonged fasting, explaining that the body had begun using fat as its primary energy source, resulting in ketones in the urine.
They maintained that Wangchuk required constant medical supervision.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said the government had no objection to shifting Wangchuk to Medanta, describing it as a reputed hospital.
However, he stressed that Wangchuk should remain under continuous medical care and should not be discharged unless advised by Medanta's doctors.
The Bench accepted the proposal and directed that all treatment records, investigation reports and medical documents from Safdarjung Hospital be handed over to Medanta to ensure continuity of care.
The Solicitor General agreed to the arrangement. Before rising for lunch, the Bench thanked doctors from AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital and Wangchuk's medical team for assisting the court before issuing the formal directions allowing the transfer.