The Delhi High Court on Saturday declined to issue any interim directions on a plea seeking the transfer of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital to a private medical facility. The petition was filed by his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, who argued that she no longer had confidence in the treatment being provided at the government-run hospital.
Hearing the matter in a special sitting, a bench headed by Justice Mini Pushkarna also held that the authorities’ decision to admit Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital was not arbitrary. The court observed that the medical team treating him would ultimately decide the course of treatment, while responding to the Centre’s request for permission to take all necessary steps to safeguard his life.
Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma defended the hospitalisation, stating that Wangchuk’s health had deteriorated after nearly three weeks of fasting. He told the court that prolonged hunger strikes can lead to dehydration, ketosis, electrolyte imbalance, and kidney-related complications, particularly in humid weather. Sharma further argued that government hospitals are fully equipped to provide quality treatment, noting that even the President of India receives medical care at a government facility.
Representing Wangchuk, senior advocate Kapil Sibal informed the court that the activist wished to be treated at Medanta Hospital and that discussions had already taken place with doctors there. Stressing Wangchuk’s right to choose his treatment, Sibal argued, “It is my body, and I should have the freedom to decide where I receive medical care.”
During the proceedings, the court questioned whether there had been an urgent medical necessity to admit Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital. In response, the Centre maintained that his condition warranted immediate intervention due to the health risks associated with an extended fast.
An AIIMS doctor who assessed Wangchuk informed the court that he was in a state of ketosis and suffering from dehydration. The doctor said Wangchuk had accepted only oral medication and sugar-free oral rehydration solution (ORS), while refusing intravenous treatment as well as supplements containing sugar or vitamins. According to the medical assessment, his condition required carbohydrates and vitamin support.
