The Centre on Tuesday informed the Delhi High Court that it has no objection to shifting activist Sonam Wangchuk from Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram for further treatment. However, the government emphasized that any transfer should take place only after doctors determine that he is medically fit for discharge, and not merely on Wangchuk's personal request.
The submission was made by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta during the hearing of an appeal filed by Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, challenging an earlier order of a single judge who had declined to direct the authorities to transfer him to the private hospital.
Appearing before the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court, Solicitor General Mehta reiterated that the Centre had no objection to Wangchuk receiving treatment at Medanta. However, he stressed that the decision to discharge him from Safdarjung Hospital must be taken solely on medical grounds.
"The government has no objection if Sonam Wangchuk is shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta. However, he should be discharged based on the advice of doctors and not on his own wishes," Mehta submitted before the court.
The Centre maintained that Wangchuk's safety and well-being should remain the foremost consideration and that medical professionals alone should determine whether he is fit to leave the hospital.
During the hearing, the Solicitor General also raised concerns regarding individuals associated with Wangchuk. He alleged that some people around the activist were keen to move him out of the hospital without adequately considering his medical condition.
According to Mehta, "The people around him want him out irrespective of his health," underlining the government's position that medical advice should not be overridden by external pressures.
The remarks came amid the ongoing legal battle over Wangchuk's transfer while he continues to receive treatment under close medical supervision.
After hearing submissions from all parties, the Delhi High Court reserved its order and said it would pronounce its decision at 2:30 pm.
The court is expected to rule on whether Wangchuk can be shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital and lay down any conditions governing such a transfer.
The proceedings were attended by Dr. Lamba, one of Wangchuk's treating doctors, who appeared before the court as the Bench considered issues relating to the activist's medical condition.
The appeal before the Division Bench was filed by Gitanjali Angmo, who challenged the earlier decision of a single judge refusing to direct authorities to shift Wangchuk to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram.
Her plea seeks permission for the transfer, arguing that Wangchuk should be allowed to continue his treatment at the private medical facility.
Sonam Wangchuk remains admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after being hospitalized during his ongoing hunger strike linked to the NEET issue. Hospital authorities have stated that he continues to be monitored by a multidisciplinary team of doctors.
According to the latest medical bulletin issued on Monday evening, Wangchuk's vital parameters remain stable. However, doctors have advised continued observation to prevent any potential complications arising from his condition.
The High Court's forthcoming order is expected to determine the next course of action regarding his treatment while balancing medical considerations with the family's request for a transfer.
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