The Delhi High Court refused to order the transfer of activist Sonam Wangchuk from Safdarjung Hospital on July 19, 2026 [1].
The ruling maintains the status quo in a dispute over whether the activist is receiving necessary medical care or is being illegally detained by the state following a prolonged hunger strike.
Dr. Gitanjali Angmo, the wife of Wangchuk, moved the court alleging that her husband was subjected to illegal confinement and forced medication [2]. She said that no hospital can force its treatment on a patient [3]. According to the plea, Wangchuk was taken to the facility against his will [3].
A single-judge bench of the Delhi High Court rejected the request to shift the activist, stating that the hospitalization is not arbitrary [1]. The court and the Centre said that the medical intervention is necessary due to serious health risks resulting from his hunger strike [1].
While the court denied the immediate transfer, it has requested a status report on Wangchuk's health within three days [4]. A further hearing on the matter is scheduled for July 24, 2024 [4].
Wangchuk remains at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi as the legal battle over his autonomy and medical necessity continues [1], [2].
“"The hospitalisation is not arbitrary"”
This case highlights the tension between state-mandated medical intervention for hunger strikers and the individual right to refuse treatment. The court's refusal to transfer Wangchuk suggests a judicial prioritization of life-preservation and medical stability over the activist's immediate desire for discharge, while the request for a status report indicates a level of judicial oversight to prevent potential abuse of detention.
