Court hearing on hospital admission
The Delhi High Court on Friday observed that the government has full authority to admit social activist Sonam Wangchuk to a government hospital, after he continued a hunger strike for 21 days in Delhi.
Protest linked to NEET paper leak demand
Wangchuk has been fasting at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over accountability for the alleged NEET question paper leak. Delhi Police admitted him to Safdarjung Government Hospital, where doctors are closely monitoring his condition.
Wife challenges admission, seeks private hospital shift
Wangchuk’s wife, Geetanjali, approached the High Court alleging he was being illegally confined in the hospital and sought his transfer to a private facility. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioner, argued that Wangchuk was not being allowed to meet his own doctors or lawyers at Safdarjung.
Government cites monitoring and access for family
Representing the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma said that as per a Division Bench order dated July 16, government doctors are monitoring Wangchuk daily and providing all necessary medical support, with regular medical reports being issued. He also told the court that Wangchuk had agreed to take electrolytes, and that his wife and brother have round-the-clock permission to meet him, along with a separate room for their stay.
No interim relief; reports sought
After hearing both sides, the High Court said Wangchuk was not in custody and that, given his deteriorating health and his reluctance to voluntarily accept treatment, the government was within its rights to admit him to a government hospital. The court declined to pass an immediate interim order on the request to shift him to a private hospital, directed the government, police and hospital administration to file reports within three days, and posted the matter to July 23.
