Delhi High Court Gives Jolt To CJP, Rejects Plea To Shift Sonam Wangchuk To Another Hospital

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has, for now, rejected the plea by social activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife to shift him to a private hospital. The Court stated that, given Wangchuk's health condition, the government's decision to shift him to the hospital was not arbitrary. Justice Mini Pushkarna, who heard the matter, remarked that doctors at Safdarjung Hospital are closely monitoring Wangchuk's health and that it cannot be said he is being subjected to coercion.

What did the Delhi High Court say? 

The Court noted that despite his condition, Wangchuk had not voluntarily admitted himself to a hospital; therefore, the government was within its rights to intervene. According to a *Bar & Bench* report, the Court also took note of the government's submission that Wangchuk's family was permitted to meet him throughout the day without restriction. The Court further observed that authorities had provided a separate room for his family members. Consequently, the Court held that no interim directive was required at this stage. It directed that his medical reports be shared with the family and scheduled the next hearing for July 24.

'Can't Wangchuk even go to a hospital of his choice?'

Earlier, Senior Advocates Kapil Sibal, Vivek Tankha, and Akhil Sibal—appearing for Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo—argued that since his admission to Safdarjung Hospital, Wangchuk has been unable to contact his lawyers or doctors. They stated that they were not asking for much; they simply wanted him moved to Medanta Hospital.
Sibal argued that Wangchuk is not in custody and there are no cases pending against him. He asked whether an Indian citizen is not permitted to go to a hospital of their choice, questioning how the government could effectively take control of his body and deny him this permission.

What was the Centre's argument?

 Appearing for the Centre, ASG Chetan Sharma stated that the order dated July 16 clearly stipulated that the government would handle all aspects of Wangchuk's medical care and treatment. He informed the court that a team of doctors from Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS is currently treating him and that he has been admitted to the emergency ward.
He further informed the court that Sonam Wangchuk was administered sugar-free electrolytes with his consent. According to the ASG, blood tests have been conducted at AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, and private laboratories; there is no reason for suspicion, and he is receiving proper care. However, he must also cooperate with the doctors.