The Delhi High Court adjourned a hearing on the hospitalization of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and denied his request to move to a private hospital.
The ruling places the responsibility for Wangchuk's care on a state-run facility during a period of critical health decline. Because the activist is engaged in a prolonged hunger strike, the court's decision to maintain his current treatment site is a central point of legal and medical contention.
Wangchuk is currently being treated at Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi [1, 2]. The legal proceedings began after concerns grew regarding his health following a hunger strike that has lasted between 19 [3] and more than 20 days [1].
During the proceedings on Thursday, the court summoned the in-charge doctor from Safdarjung Hospital to appear in court [3]. To ensure transparency and patient advocacy, the court permitted a doctor trusted by Wangchuk to be present during the medical evaluations [3].
Despite these concessions, the court refused the request to shift the activist to a private hospital [2]. The court said that Wangchuk's health be monitored on a daily basis [3].
Representatives for the center said they will intervene as required based on the advice of the doctors [3]. The court's decision to adjourn the hearing means the legal status of his medical care remains under judicial review while the state continues to oversee his treatment.
“The Delhi High Court denied his request to move to a private hospital.”
The court's refusal to allow a transfer to a private facility indicates a preference for state-monitored medical care during high-profile political protests. By summoning both the hospital's head doctor and a physician trusted by Wangchuk, the court is attempting to balance government oversight with independent medical verification to prevent accusations of negligence or coercion.
