'We can't ignore his concerns': Delhi HC gives Sonam Wangchuk big relief, clears shift to private hospital

The court approved Wangchuk's transfer to Medanta Hospital, observing that his concerns regarding his medical treatment could not be ignored.

Court Approves Shift to Medanta

"We can't ignore his concerns," the court said while passing the order, according to NDTV.

The decision comes amid concerns over Wangchuk's health as he continues his indefinite hunger strike.

Wife Thanks Delhi High Court

Following the court's order, Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, thanked the Delhi High Court and the legal team representing the activist.

In a post on X, she wrote: "My heartfelt thanks to the Hon'ble #DelhiHighCourt for passing a favourable order for the discharge of @Wangchuk66 to #Medanta, the hospital of our choice! My heartfelt thanks also to @SibalAkhil and Bahuli Sharma and their teams for this win against unbelievable odds in record time!!"

The order comes at a time when the CJP-led protests continue to intensify, with student groups and opposition leaders demanding accountability over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and police action against demonstrators.

What Happened in Court?

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, opposed Sonam Wangchuk's transfer to Medanta Hospital.

He clarified that while the government had no objection to Wangchuk being shifted, such a transfer could not take place without the Centre's approval.

Representing Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal argued that there was no immediate medical emergency warranting continued admission at Safdarjung Hospital.

"There does not seem to be an imminent threat to his life. Doctors' reports show that nothing intravenous is warranted as of now. Even in the government hospital, he has been given only oral medicines," Sibal was quoted as saying by NDTV.

The Centre, however, maintained that Wangchuk's condition required close medical supervision, arguing that his low white blood cell count had made him more vulnerable to infections because of his weakened physical state.

Sibal also referred to a letter written by Wangchuk, in which the activist complained about the heavy police presence around him at the hospital and alleged that visitors were not being allowed to meet him.

Wangchuk Vows to Continue Indefinite Fast

Wangchuk announced on Monday that he would continue his indefinite fast until youth leaders protesting over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak are allowed to meet Members of Parliament inside Parliament or lawmakers visit him at the Delhi hospital where he is undergoing treatment.

Wangchuk said this after protesters were lathicharged during Parliament march by police on Monday triggering widespread public fury over the heavy crackdown on the agitators.

The announcement came through a handwritten note shared on social media by his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, as Wangchuk entered the 23rd day of his fast.

"I will continue my fast (day 23). Seeing the brutality with which peacefully protesting youth are being dealt with, I have decided to continue my fast until the youth leaders are allowed to meet the Parliamentarians at the Sansad Bhawan or I am allowed to meet them here at the hospital," Wangchuk wrote.

Expressing solidarity with CJP protesters, Wangchuk urged the Centre to fix accountability for the alleged examination irregularities.

"Hopefully the government will fix the accountability of the education minister before that. I am touched and moved by how the youth have held on to peace despite provocation and I appeal to the government and the police to resolve the issue by simply allowing the students to present their grievances before Parliament today or tomorrow," he said.

He also appealed to the protesters to remain peaceful and continue to show "patience and tolerance."