The Delhi High Court on Tuesday heard an important plea concerning the health and safety of social activist Sonam Wangchuk, during which the Centre told the court it has no objection to moving him from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta. The plea was filed by Wangchuk's wife, Geetanjali, and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for the central government. The matter reached the court as concern over Wangchuk's deteriorating health kept mounting.
The Government's Condition: Discharge Only on Doctors' Advice
During the hearing, Tushar Mehta made clear that the government had no problem with shifting the hospital, but he attached one important condition. According to him, the petitioner's husband, Sonam Wangchuk, should be discharged only on the advice of Medanta's doctors, not on his own wish. The government's argument rested on the concern that even if his health had not fully improved, the patient could insist on leaving the hospital on his own, which is why it wants the discharge decision to rest entirely with the doctors rather than with the patient or the people around him.
Twenty-One Days of Fasting Before the Hospital Admission
Sonam Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar for close to three weeks. As the fast dragged on, his health kept worsening. On the 21st day of the strike, on Saturday, he was taken directly from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital. It was only after his hospitalisation that the demand to shift him to Medanta arose, on which the Centre clarified its stand before the court.
Dr Lamba in Court, Verdict Expected at 2:30 PM
The Solicitor General also told the court that certain people around the patient want to take him out of the hospital without regard for his health. Dr Lamba, who is treating Sonam Wangchuk, was also present in court during the hearing. After hearing detailed arguments from both sides, the Delhi High Court said it would pronounce its order in the matter at 2:30 PM.
Wangchuk Refuses to Break His Fast, Sends Note from Hospital
Meanwhile, from Safdarjung Hospital itself, Sonam Wangchuk wrote a handwritten note that was posted on his X handle. In it, he stated clearly that he would keep his fast going until young leaders are allowed to meet MPs inside Parliament House, or until he himself is allowed to meet MPs at the hospital. He said he hopes the government will fix accountability for the education minister, and that he will not end the fast until that happens. Wangchuk also wrote that he was deeply moved and impressed by how the youth maintained peace despite provocation. He appealed to the government and the police to resolve the entire issue simply by allowing students to place their grievances in front of Parliament today or tomorrow. He expressed confidence that the young protesters would show the same patience and tolerance tomorrow that they showed today.
What Happens Next
The full picture in this case will only become clear once the Delhi High Court delivers its order at 2:30 PM. Until then, Sonam Wangchuk remains admitted at Safdarjung Hospital while still holding firm on his hunger strike, even as the Centre, having agreed to a hospital shift, wants his safety and discharge tied strictly to medical advice.
