The Delhi High Court directed doctors treating climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to attend a hearing to assess his health and potential hospital transfer.
The court's intervention comes as the judiciary weighs a plea to move Wangchuk to a private facility. Because the activist is engaged in a high-profile protest, his physical condition has become a central point of legal and humanitarian concern.
Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike for 19 days [1]. To monitor his condition, the court ordered the submission of comprehensive medical records from Safdarjung Hospital, AIIMS, and a private laboratory [2, 3].
The court requested that the AIIMS in-charge director, the AIIMS emergency doctor treating Wangchuk, and the activist’s family physician be present at the hearing [3, 4]. These medical professionals will provide the necessary data for the bench to decide on the transfer request.
Government representatives have indicated they will cooperate with the court's oversight. "We will intervene as required based on doctor advice," a government spokesperson said [5].
Court sources said that the bench has directed authorities to monitor his health and intervene if his condition worsens [6]. This directive was issued on July 16, 2024 [1]. The court's focus remains on protecting the life of the activist while the legal process regarding his medical care continues.
“"We will intervene as required based on doctor advice."”
The Delhi High Court's decision to summon top medical officials from AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital signifies a shift toward judicial supervision of Wangchuk's health. By requiring the presence of both state and private physicians, the court is establishing a verified medical baseline to prevent potential negligence or political interference during the activist's hunger strike.
