The Delhi High Court permitted activist Sonam Wangchuk to transfer from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. The order resolved a legal challenge filed by his wife during his 24-day hunger strike over NEET examination leaks, following a consensus among doctors on his need for continuous monitoring.
The court decision resolves a legal standoff over bodily autonomy and medical management as the activist enters his fourth week of fasting.
NEW DELHI — The Delhi High Court on Tuesday allowed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to be transferred from the state-run Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, following a legal petition filed by his wife, Dr. Gitanjali J. Angmo. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia permitted the move after noting a consensus among government and private medical experts that Wangchuk requires continuous clinical monitoring as the Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike reached its 24th day.
The order marks a significant turn in the legal dispute regarding Wangchuk’s hospital care and personal liberty. Wangchuk was initially shifted to Safdarjung Hospital by authorities after his vital parameters declined during his ongoing protest regarding entrance examination transparency and educational reforms.
Court Mandates Transfer Following Medical Consensus
During Tuesday’s proceedings, the division bench examined detailed medical reports submitted by doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Safdarjung Hospital, and Wangchuk’s personal physicians. Justice Karia noted that while Wangchuk remained conscious and hemodynamically stable, clinical evaluations showed elevated ketone bodies and erratic electrolyte levels caused by prolonged fasting.
The court proposed the transfer to Medanta Hospital to ensure that treatment continues at a facility of the activist’s choice. Representing the Central Government and Delhi Police, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench that the administration had no objection to shifting Wangchuk to the private facility, provided he remains under expert medical care and does not leave against medical advice.
"After going through reports and interacting with AIIMS doctors and the physician who attended him, there is consensus that constant monitoring is required," the bench observed. "We propose that he be shifted to Medanta, the hospital of his choice, where a specialized panel of doctors will oversee his health".
Background to the Legal Standoff
The Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike began on June 28, 2026, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Wangchuk joined student groups and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) movement to demand systemic accountability following paper leak controversies involving national entrance tests, specifically the NEET-UG examination.
On July 18, 2026, Delhi Police moved Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital on emergency medical grounds after his blood sugar, sodium, and potassium levels dropped significantly. His wife subsequently filed an appeal under Article 226 of the Constitution, arguing that Wangchuk was not under detention and that forcing him to stay at a specific state hospital violated his right to bodily autonomy and choice of medical treatment.
While a single-judge bench had initially declined to order an interim transfer on Sunday, holding that state intervention was medically justified to save his life, the division bench reviewed the appeal on Monday and Tuesday to establish a consensus among all medical stakeholders.
Medical Protocols and Data Sharing
As part of the transfer order, the Delhi High Court directed that all complete pathological records, diagnostic files, and treatment summaries prepared at Safdarjung Hospital be transferred immediately to the medical team at Medanta Hospital. The director of Medanta Hospital has been instructed to constitute a dedicated medical board to monitor his condition continuously.
Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal, representing the petitioner, assured the court that the activist would cooperate with attending medical personnel at Medanta. The court also noted that Wangchuk’s family members will retain unrestricted visitation access throughout his stay.
Official Sources Section
The court's decision was issued as an official judicial order in the case of Gitanjali J. Angmo v. Union of India & Ors before the High Court of Delhi. Statements regarding the government's position were formally presented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma during open court proceedings.
Quote Section
"What we propose to do is get him shifted to the hospital of his choice, that is Medanta," stated Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya during open court proceedings. "All the treatment details at Safdarjung Hospital will be supplied to Medanta immediately, and he will be treated there by a panel of doctors formed by the director".
Why It Matters
This ruling establishes an important legal precedent balancing the state's duty to protect life during civil protests with an individual's constitutional right to choose their medical care facility. For supporters of the Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike, the transfer ensures that the activist receives specialized medical attention at a facility chosen by his family, while allowing medical authorities to maintain vital parameters during his ongoing protest.
Key Facts at a Glance
Court Order: Delhi High Court permitted activist Sonam Wangchuk's transfer from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram.
Government Stance: The Centre stated it had no objection to the transfer provided he remains under medical supervision.
Protest Cause: Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike since June 28, 2026, demanding examination system accountability over NEET paper leaks.
Medical Consensus: AIIMS, Safdarjung, and private doctors agreed that continuous medical monitoring is essential due to prolonged fasting.
FAQ
Why was Sonam Wangchuk shifted to Medanta Hospital?
The Delhi High Court allowed his transfer after his wife appealed for him to receive care at a facility of his choice, following a consensus among doctors that his health requires constant monitoring.
Is Sonam Wangchuk under police arrest or detention?
No, the court and government counsel confirmed that Sonam Wangchuk is a free citizen and not under arrest or formal detention.
What caused the Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike?
The hunger strike was initiated to demand government accountability and systemic reforms following widespread paper leaks in national entrance examinations, including NEET-UG.
What are the court's directions for his medical care?
The court directed Safdarjung Hospital to transfer all medical records to Medanta immediately and instructed Medanta to form a dedicated panel of doctors to oversee his treatment.
Source: LiveLaw, Bar and Bench, The Times of India, High Court of Delhi
