The Delhi High Court refused to grant interim relief to social activist Sonam Wangchuk regarding his transfer to a private hospital.
The ruling maintains Wangchuk's current placement at Safdarjung Hospital, where he was moved by police on July 18, 2024 [2]. This legal stalemate occurs as Wangchuk continues a hunger strike to demand the resignation of the federal education minister.
Wangchuk was shifted to the government facility against his will [2]. His legal team said the activist requires specialized medical care available at a private institution of his choice. However, the court did not grant the request during the hearing on July 20, 2024 [3].
Following the refusal of interim relief, Wangchuk's representatives said they will now approach a Division Bench to challenge the decision. The activist had reached his 21st day of hunger strike at the time of his hospital transfer [1].
Police involvement in the transfer to Safdarjung Hospital has sparked criticism from supporters who said the move was coercive [2]. The legal battle now centers on the right of a patient to choose their healthcare provider versus the state's authority to manage the detention, and medical supervision, of a political protester.
The activist's team said the appeal to the Division Bench is the next necessary step to ensure his health and safety while he maintains his protest.
“The Delhi High Court refused to grant interim relief to social activist Sonam Wangchuk”
This case highlights the tension between state security measures and individual health rights in India. By denying the transfer to a private facility, the court upholds the government's control over the activist's environment, which may be intended to limit the visibility of the protest or maintain strict surveillance over Wangchuk's condition.
