Delhi HC Proposes Shifting Sonam Wangchuk to Hospital of His Choice Amid Safdarjung Row
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday proposed allowing activist Sonam Wangchuk to be shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital while ensuring continuity of medical treatment. The proposal came during the hearing of an appeal filed by Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, challenging his continued hospitalisation at Safdarjung.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday proposed that activist Sonam Wangchuk be shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital, subject to the continuity of his medical treatment. A bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia indicated that it would pass a final order after hearing all parties.
The proposal came during the hearing of an appeal filed by Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, challenging an earlier order that refused to discharge him from Safdarjung Hospital and permit his transfer to a private medical facility.
The High Court also proposed that all medical records, test reports, and treatment documents available with Safdarjung Hospital be shared with Medanta Hospital to ensure uninterrupted medical care.
Appeal Challenges Hospitalisation
Appearing for Angmo, senior advocate Akhil Sibal argued that Wangchuk was taken from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital without consultation and in the absence of a medical emergency. He submitted that the court's earlier order had only directed authorities to monitor Wangchuk's health and intervene medically if required.
Sibal further argued that Wangchuk remained conscious, was not admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and should have the freedom to decide where he wished to receive medical treatment.
Court Examines Medical Condition
During the hearing, the bench questioned doctors regarding Wangchuk's elevated urea and uric acid levels.
Responding to the court, doctors explained that such changes are common during prolonged fasting. They stated that when the body does not receive glucose, it begins breaking down fat for energy, leading to the production of ketones and changes in metabolic markers.
The court also directed that all pathological reports, including tests conducted by AIIMS and private laboratories, along with medical bulletins issued during Wangchuk's treatment, be placed on record.
Background
Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike, which was launched over alleged examination paper leaks and issues concerning the education system. He is now on the 24th day of his fast.
Earlier, a single-judge bench of the Delhi High Court had declined to order his transfer to a private hospital, observing that his admission to Safdarjung Hospital was a medical decision and that the treating doctors should continue to determine the course of treatment according to established medical protocols.
The High Court is expected to issue its final order after completing the hearing.