The Delhi High Court proposed moving climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from state-run Safdarjung Hospital to the private Medanta Hospital on Tuesday [1].
The move comes as Wangchuk continues a hunger strike, raising concerns about his health and the level of medical supervision available at public facilities. A transfer to a private institution would allow for more consistent monitoring of his condition.
The court said it could not ignore the activist's concerns regarding his current medical care. By proposing the shift to Medanta Hospital, the court aims to ensure that Wangchuk receives the necessary oversight during his protest.
"We can't ignore his concerns," the Delhi High Court said in its order.
Gitanjali Angmo, the wife of the activist, expressed gratitude following the court's direction. "My heartfelt thanks to the Delhi High Court for the favourable order," Angmo said.
However, the legal proceedings have seen conflicting interpretations. Some reports indicated the court had previously refused relief, leading Angmo to state that a previous public interest litigation was wrongly interpreted. She said her team would file another petition on July 20 [2].
Despite these discrepancies in reporting, the court's most recent proposal focuses on the immediate medical needs of the activist. The shift from a government facility to a private one is intended to mitigate risks associated with his prolonged fast.
“"We can't ignore his concerns."”
The court's proposal reflects a balancing act between maintaining legal protocols and ensuring the survival of a high-profile activist. By moving Wangchuk to a private facility, the judiciary is prioritizing the right to health and life over the administrative constraints of state-run hospitals, potentially preventing a medical crisis that could escalate political tensions.
