New Delhi: Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, on Monday approached the Delhi High Court against a single judge's order refusing to intervene in the fasting activist's treatment at Safdarjung Hospital.

In her appeal, Angmo challenged Sunday's order, arguing that it effectively confines Wangchuk to the government hospital despite him not being under arrest and deprives both him and his family of the authority to make decisions regarding his medical treatment.

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The appeal further contended that the order failed to address the principle of "informed consent" and an individual's right to accept or refuse medical treatment.

The development comes a day after Justice Mini Pushkarna, during a special Sunday hearing, declined to interfere with Wangchuk's treatment, observing that the government's decision to shift him from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital could not be termed arbitrary.

The judge also refused to pass an interim order directing Wangchuk's immediate transfer to a private hospital, as sought by Angmo.

Court cites medical supervision

In her order, Justice Pushkarna noted that doctors at Safdarjung Hospital were closely monitoring Wangchuk's condition and said there was nothing to suggest that force was being used against him in violation of his bodily integrity.

Referring to an earlier High Court order dated 16 July directing authorities to monitor Wangchuk's health and medically intervene if necessary, the court observed that since the activist had not voluntarily admitted himself to any medical facility, the government was "within its right" to shift him to Safdarjung Hospital in view of his deteriorating health.

"It is to be noted that the ultimate decision with regard to the medical condition of Mr Wangchuk would be monitored by the medical team attending him, which shall take decision as per the medical protocol," the single judge had said.

Shifted to hospital after 21-day fast

Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police on Saturday, the 21st day of his hunger strike, after his health deteriorated.

The climate activist has been fasting since 28 June over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET controversy, and the deaths of students reportedly linked to the cancellation of the examination.

(PTI)