No relief for Wangchuk: HC backs govt's move to shift Sonam to hospital, says no force used
The Delhi High Court has upheld the government's decision to move climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to a hospital due to his deteriorating health from a prolonged hunger strike. The court noted that the action was not arbitrary and that the activist is receiving proper care with family access.
Why it matters
This case balances the state's duty to preserve life against the rights of activists to protest, setting a precedent for how the judiciary handles health-related interventions in civil disobedience.
NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court on Sunday upheld the Centre's decision to shift climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to Safdarjung hospital, observing that the government's action was not arbitrary given his deteriorating health after weeks of fasting.Justice Mini Pushkarna, hearing a petition filed by Wangchuk's wife Dr Gitanjali J Angmo seeking his discharge from Safdarjung Hospital and transfer to a private hospital, declined to grant any interim relief.The court issued notice to the Centre and directed it to file a status report within three days."Since the government has taken the decision to shift him to the hospital on account of his medical condition, this court does not find the same to be an arbitrary action," the court observed."Since doctors at Safdarjung are closely monitoring his health and have only given oral things as per his consent, it can't be said any force is being used against him," the court added.Justice…
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