Delhi High Court Orders Sonam Wangchuk's Transfer to Medanta Hospital Amid Hunger Strike

NEW DELHI: Delhi high court on Tuesday ordered the immediate transfer of scientist and activist Sonam Wangchuk from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, amid his prolonged hunger strike over the NEET paper leak. The court also directed that Wangchuk be treated by doctors at Medanta Hospital as per established medical protocol and said the activist must abide by the medical advice given by the treating team after his transfer from Safdarjung Hospital

The court's decision came after Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, challenged a single judge's order refusing to allow his transfer from Safdarjung Hospital. During the hearing, the Centre informed the high court that it had "no objection" to Wangchuk being shifted to Medanta Hospital, while requesting that he remain under continuous medical supervision. "The Centre has no objection to shifting Sonam Wangchuk to Medanta Hospital," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted, but urged that Wangchuk "remain under continuous medical supervision and not be discharged except on the advice of Medanta's doctors."

The bench also proposed that Wangchuk be transferred along with all his medical records from Safdarjung Hospital and said it would pass a formal order after lunch. Wangchuk on Tuesday entered the 24th consecutive day of his hunger strike as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) stepped up its protest against the Centre over NEET paper leak and renewed its demand for Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Protesters also returned to Delhi's Jantar Mantar, where the sit-in continued for another day. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke joined group members at the protest site as the group vowed to press ahead with its agitation until its demands were met.