The Delhi High Court on Tuesday permitted climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently on an indefinite hunger strike in support of the student-led Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest, to be shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram.

A Division Bench comprising Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Tejas Karia passed the order while hearing an appeal filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo. Angmo contended that her husband was being kept at Safdarjung Hospital against his wishes and that authorities were preventing him from returning to the protest site.

Wangchuk had been shifted to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police after concerns were raised about his deteriorating health due to his prolonged fast at Jantar Mantar. During the hearing, the Court observed that, considering the medical opinions on record and the concerns expressed by doctors, Wangchuk should be allowed treatment at a hospital of his choice.

Accordingly, the Bench directed that he be transferred immediately to Medanta Hospital, where a specialized medical team would continuously monitor his condition and administer treatment in accordance with established medical protocols. The Court also clarified that Angmo would have unrestricted access to visit her husband during his hospitalization.

The Bench emphasized that permitting Wangchuk’s transfer was consistent with the protection of his fundamental rights, including his right to make decisions concerning his medical treatment. At the same time, the Court urged Angmo to cooperate with the medical process, stating that its primary concern was Wangchuk’s health and well-being.

The appeal arose after a single judge of the High Court had earlier declined to order Wangchuk’s transfer from Safdarjung Hospital. Challenging that decision, Angmo argued that the continued hospitalization without Wangchuk’s consent violated his personal liberty, bodily autonomy, and right to choose his medical treatment under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on June 28 in solidarity with the youth-led CJP movement, which has been demanding accountability for recurring examination paper leaks and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He was removed from the protest site by Delhi Police on July 18 and admitted to Safdarjung Hospital following concerns about his medical condition.

During Tuesday’s hearing, the Court examined medical reports from Safdarjung Hospital, AIIMS, and a private laboratory. Doctors informed the Bench that Wangchuk’s potassium levels were low and that certain blood parameters, including white blood cell counts, were outside the normal range, requiring continuous medical supervision. While the medical experts stressed the need for close monitoring, they did not oppose his treatment at another hospital.

Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal, appearing for Angmo, argued that Wangchuk’s vital signs remained stable and that medical monitoring could continue at Medanta. He also informed the Court that Wangchuk had complained about restrictions on visitors and communication during his stay at Safdarjung Hospital.

After considering the medical evidence and hearing all parties, the Court concluded that Wangchuk should be shifted to Medanta Hospital. The Central government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, stated that it had no objection to the transfer, subject to medical safeguards.

The Court subsequently disposed of the appeal by directing Wangchuk’s immediate transfer to Medanta Hospital and ensuring that his medical care would continue under expert supervision.