Sonam Wangchuk's Wife Moves Delhi HC, Seeks His Transfer From Safdarjung Hospital

Gitanjali Angmo, the wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, approached the Delhi High Court on Sunday seeking his immediate transfer from Safdarjung Hospital. The petition was filed on a day when the hospital had declared Wangchuk stable but in need of close monitoring.

Angmo, in her plea, said she had lost faith in the current medical setup at Safdarjung. She expressed deep concern over the treatment being administered to Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike.

Loss of Faith in Medical Care

In a letter to the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, Angmo wrote, 'Worried about what is being done to him.' She argued that the ongoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital was not in her husband's best interest and requested an urgent intervention.

The petition comes after days of tension between the activist's family and the hospital administration. Angmo has consistently maintained that there was no medical emergency that required Wangchuk to be forcibly moved from his protest site.

Hospital's Health Update

Safdarjung Hospital, in a statement released earlier on Sunday, said Wangchuk was 'stable, but close monitoring essential.' The hospital's medical bulletin did not specify any immediate danger but stressed the need for continued observation.

Medical experts have said that prolonged hunger strikes can lead to electrolyte imbalances and organ stress, which require careful management. However, the hospital has not indicated any critical deterioration in Wangchuk's condition.

Background of the Protest

Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent environmental activist from Ladakh, began his hunger strike to press for the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. He has been demanding constitutional safeguards to protect the region's unique cultural and environmental identity.

Wangchuk was moved to Safdarjung Hospital earlier this week after authorities deemed his health condition required medical supervision. His family and supporters have contested this move, claiming it was an attempt to break his protest.

Legal Battle Ahead

The Delhi High Court is expected to hear the petition on Monday. Angmo's legal team has argued that Wangchuk's right to choose his own medical care is being violated. They have also raised questions about the transparency of the hospital's treatment protocols.

Activists and supporters have gathered outside the hospital, demanding his release. The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of the rights of hunger-striking protesters in India.

The court's decision on Monday will determine whether Wangchuk remains at Safdarjung or is moved to a facility of his family's choosing. The outcome could set a precedent for how authorities handle similar cases in the future.