Centre defends Sonam Wangchuk's hospitalisation in Delhi High Court amid transfer plea
The Centre defended the hospitalisation of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk before the Delhi High Court, stating that the decision was taken solely due to his deteriorating health after nearly three weeks of hunger strike and that his life could not be put at risk.
The submissions came during an urgent hearing on a petition filed by Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, seeking permission to shift him from Safdarjung Hospital to a private medical facility. She alleged that the family had lost faith in the government-run hospital, claiming Wangchuk was being kept under "illegal detention" and that restrictions had been imposed on their movement and access to him.
Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that Wangchuk's medical condition had worsened significantly due to his prolonged fast and that the authorities acted to safeguard his life. He told the court that "whatever happens to Sonam Wangchuk will have consequences," stressing that the government's priority was to ensure his safety and proper medical care.
The Centre also maintained that discharging Wangchuk or allowing his transfer without adequate medical safeguards could endanger his health. It opposed the plea for an immediate shift, saying doctors at Safdarjung Hospital were monitoring his condition closely.
Wangchuk was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after being removed from his hunger strike site at Jantar Mantar, where he had been fasting for over three weeks while demanding reforms in the education system. His hospitalisation has sparked political debate and prompted legal intervention by his family.
The Delhi High Court heard the matter on an urgent basis and is expected to issue further directions after considering submissions from both the petitioner's counsel and the Centre.
