BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, July 21: In a significant relief for Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday paved the way for his transfer from Safdarjung Hospital to the privately run Medanta Hospital, observing that his concerns regarding treatment and hospital conditions deserved due consideration.
The court, while hearing a plea filed by Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali Angmo, said it could not disregard the activist’s apprehensions and indicated that it would permit the transfer. The detailed order was scheduled to be pronounced later in the day.
The development comes after Wangchuk, who has been on a prolonged hunger strike in support of the student-led agitation over the NEET paper leak and examination reforms, was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital following his removal from the protest site at Jantar Mantar.
Centre Does Not Oppose Transfer
Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the government had no objection to Wangchuk being shifted to Medanta. However, he submitted that the transfer would have to be carried out in accordance with the prescribed medical and administrative procedures.
Representing Wangchuk’s wife, senior advocate Akhil Sibal argued that the activist’s condition remained stable and did not warrant compulsory treatment at a government hospital. Referring to reports from Safdarjung Hospital, AIIMS and Wangchuk’s personal physician, Sibal maintained that the activist required continued medical monitoring but was not facing an immediate life-threatening emergency.
He told the court that Wangchuk’s vital parameters were stable and that doctors had so far prescribed only oral medication, with no immediate need for intravenous treatment.
Medical Opinion Before the Court
The Bench also considered the assessment of government doctors.
A doctor appearing for the authorities informed the court that Wangchuk’s white blood cell count had fallen below normal levels, making regular monitoring essential despite the absence of any immediate medical crisis.
The court examined medical reports submitted by both government hospitals and private doctors before indicating its willingness to allow the transfer.
VIDEO | On Delhi HC saying that it will pass order on shifting activist Sonam Wangchuk from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in post-lunch session, Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Dr Gitanjali Angmo, says, “We are very happy. I would also like to thank the Delhi High Court… pic.twitter.com/diccsRRRMP
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 21, 2026
Letter Alleges Strict Restrictions
During the proceedings, Sibal also placed before the court a letter written by Wangchuk, in which the activist alleged that he was being kept under stringent police surveillance inside the hospital.
According to the letter, Wangchuk claimed that police personnel remained stationed around him, his communication devices had been taken away, visitors were subjected to searches, and access to him had been tightly controlled.
These allegations formed part of the plea seeking his discharge from Safdarjung Hospital and admission to Medanta.
READ: Police Crackdown on Students: Mystery Men, Batons, and Brutality
Family Welcomes Court’s Stand
Soon after the court’s observations, Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali Angmo welcomed the development, thanking the Delhi High Court and the legal team representing the family.
In a post on X, she described the court’s decision as a major relief and expressed hope that Wangchuk would now receive treatment at the hospital chosen by his family.
Wangchuk was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after Delhi Police removed him from the Jantar Mantar protest site pursuant to a court direction aimed at safeguarding his health following his prolonged hunger strike.
The activist’s fast, which has continued for over three weeks, has become one of the defining symbols of the nationwide protests demanding accountability for the NEET paper leak and comprehensive reforms to India’s examination system.
The High Court’s decision to permit his transfer is expected to ease tensions over his medical care while the larger agitation continues outside the courtroom.
