'Not Arbitrary': Delhi HC Says Sonam Wangchuk Was Moved To Safdarjung Hospital As His Health Deteriorated

The Delhi High Court on Monday asked activist Sonam Wangchuk to cooperate with doctors treating him at Safdarjung Hospital, while observing that the government’s decision to move him to the facility was “not an arbitrary action” but one necessitated by his deteriorating health condition.

During the hearing, a doctor from the medical team supervising Wangchuk informed the court that he had begun taking oral fluids, potassium chloride and sugar-free oral rehydration solution (ORS), but had repeatedly declined intravenous (IV) fluids despite medical advice.

“We have been treating Wangchuk. He started some oral fluids and in the evening he started taking potassium chloride orally and some oral ORS without sugar. We have been trying to talk to him

continuously for IV fluids but he has denied it. He needs to have vitamins. Some of his parameters are borderline and some have been on the lower side, like potassium and sugar levels,” the doctor told the court.

The court thereafter urged Wangchuk to cooperate with the medical team treating him.

Appearing for Wangchuk and his wife, senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued that the activist was neither under detention nor facing any criminal case and was entitled to choose where he received medical treatment.

“Wangchuk is not in detention. There is no case against him and he is a citizen of India who is entitled to say that I have a right to be treated… I want treatment, but I want treatment of my choice,” Sibal submitted. He also contended that an earlier order directing Wangchuk’s hospitalisation had been passed ex parte, without his clients being heard.

Responding to the submissions, Justice Pushkarna observed that the court had to consider the “larger picture”.

“Court has to see a larger picture. Mr Wangchuk is not in detention, but the wife, brother and brother-in-law have been given access,” the judge observed.

The hearing stems from a plea filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Dr Gitanjali Angmo, seeking permission to shift him from Safdarjung Hospital to a private hospital. She has alleged that he is being illegally detained under the guise of medical treatment and has questioned the medical care being provided at the government-run facility.

Earlier this week, the High Court had directed the Centre to ensure daily clinical monitoring of Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike.

Wangchuk began his fast on June 28, over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak. His protest, organised in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has entered its third week, with reports indicating that he has lost over 8 kg and experienced falling blood sugar levels.