The Delhi High Court declined to issue an interim order in the case of Sonam Wangchuk’s hospitalisation at Safdarjung Hospital. The court noted that the government’s decision to move Wangchuk from the Jantar Mantar protest site due to his worsening health condition was not arbitrary. Justice Mini Pushkarna directed the Centre and other respondents to submit status reports within three days and scheduled the next hearing for July 24.
The court emphasized that the government’s action of transferring Wangchuk to the hospital based on his medical condition was not arbitrary. It was mentioned that doctors at Safdarjung Hospital were actively monitoring Wangchuk’s health and administering oral medication with his consent. Justice Pushkarna stated that this did not constitute the use of force or violation of Wangchuk’s autonomy.
Notably, Wangchuk had not voluntarily admitted himself to any hospital despite his declining health. The court acknowledged that the government was justified in relocating him to a medical facility under such circumstances. Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma confirmed that Wangchuk was not under detention and that his family members had unrestricted access to him.
The court recorded that Wangchuk’s family members had round-the-clock access to meet him and were provided a separate room at the hospital. It was also noted that Wangchuk’s medical reports would be shared with his family as per the Centre’s assurance. Stressing the value of every life, the court determined that no interim directions were necessary at the current stage based on the information provided by the Centre and the medical team.
Justice Pushkarna clarified that all decisions regarding Wangchuk’s treatment and medical status would be made by the medical team following established protocols. The petition challenging Wangchuk’s continued hospitalisation at Safdarjung Hospital was filed by his wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, who sought his immediate discharge and transfer to a hospital chosen by the family.
