Delhi High Court Turns Down Wife’s Plea to Transfer Sonam Wangchuk to Private Hospital

Sonam Wangchuk, the Ladakh‑born activist who has been in the spotlight since his 2022 arrest on terrorism‑related charges, remains in custody at Tihar Jail. His wife, who has been quietly lobbying for better medical care, approached the Delhi High Court last month with a plea to shift him to a private hospital, citing serious health concerns.

In a terse judgment delivered on Thursday, a bench of the Delhi High Court dismissed the petition outright. The judges said the request did not meet the legal criteria for a hospital transfer and that the prison authorities were already providing "adequate medical attention" as per the standards mandated for inmates.

Wangchuk’s wife, who preferred to remain unnamed, argued that her husband’s condition had worsened and that the facilities at Tihar were insufficient for his treatment. She highlighted frequent bouts of fever, respiratory issues, and the need for specialised care that, according to her, only a private institution could furnish.

The court, however, pointed out that the prison medical board had conducted regular check‑ups and that any genuine medical emergency would automatically trigger a transfer under existing protocols. "The petitioner has not produced any fresh medical evidence that would compel the court to intervene," the judgment read.

Legal experts say the ruling underscores the high threshold for granting such transfers, especially in cases involving individuals convicted of serious offences. "Courts are cautious not to set a precedent that could be exploited to secure preferential treatment for prisoners," noted senior advocate Anil Kapoor.

Human rights groups, while acknowledging the court’s decision, continue to monitor Wangchuk’s health. A spokesperson for the Ladakh‑based activist network said, "We will keep pressing the authorities to ensure his well‑being, but we respect the court’s verdict and will explore other legal avenues if needed."

For now, Sonam Wangchuk remains at Tihar, where he will continue to serve his sentence unless future developments prompt a fresh review of his medical status.