Delhi High Court Orders Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s Transfer to Medanta Hospital

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday gave the green light for activist Sonam Wangchuk to be moved from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. The decision came after his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, petitioned the court seeking a transfer to a hospital of his choice.

Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, sitting as a division bench, overturned an earlier single‑judge ruling that had declined to interfere with his treatment at Safdarjung. Their order not only authorises the shift but also instructs the creation of an expert medical panel at Medanta to oversee his care.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench that the Centre does not object to the transfer. He did, however, caution that Wangchuk – who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 – should not be discharged from the private facility against medical advice.

Doctors from AIIMS Delhi, who are part of the team monitoring him at Safdarjung, appeared before the court along with Wangchuk’s personal physician. All agreed that he needs continuous clinical supervision, prompting the judges to direct that his medical records, investigation reports and treatment notes be handed over to the Medanta team.

Safdarjung Hospital issued a brief health update, saying Wangchuk’s vital parameters remain stable but his condition still warrants close watch. Dr Manisha Thakur, head of the department of medicine, noted low blood‑sugar levels, a potassium reading of 3.2 mEq/L and persistent pancytopenia – a drop in red and white blood cells and platelets. He continues to refuse intravenous fluids and glucose, relying instead on oral rehydration and potassium supplements.

The prolonged fast has caused mild‑to‑moderate dehydration and physiological stress, according to the hospital. That is why continuous monitoring is deemed essential – any sudden complication must be caught early.

Wangchuk’s wife had previously argued that his stay at Safdarjung amounted to “illegal detention.” After Justice Mini Pushkarna declined to order a private‑hospital transfer, Angmo filed another plea, which eventually led to today’s order.

At Medanta, a specially constituted panel of specialists will take charge, ensuring that all previous findings are incorporated into a comprehensive treatment plan. The court’s directive aims to safeguard his health while respecting his right to choose the place of care.