Delhi High Court allows Sonam Wangchuk to be shifted to Medanta Hospital

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday allowed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to be shifted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram for medical treatment. The order came amid growing political reactions to his ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar, where he has been on a hunger strike.

Court order and medical concerns

A bench of the Delhi High Court directed the authorities to facilitate Wangchuk's transfer to the private hospital. The court was hearing a petition concerning his deteriorating health after days of fasting.

Wangchuk, who is known for his work on climate change and education in Ladakh, had been camping at Jantar Mantar since last week. His condition had raised alarm among supporters and medical experts.

The court did not provide detailed reasoning in the oral order. Officials have not yet confirmed when the transfer will take place.

Political reactions intensify

The protest has drawn significant political attention. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Jantar Mantar and expressed support for the students gathered there. He demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologise to the students.

“Congress supports all demands raised by students, Modi must apologise to them,” Gandhi said at the protest site. His remarks added to the political heat surrounding the issue.

Meanwhile, Union Minister JP Nadda and Minister Jitendra Singh met Wangchuk at a Gurugram hospital, according to reports. The meeting was seen as an attempt by the government to defuse the situation.

Civil society and activist responses

The Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) called on Wangchuk to end his hunger strike, saying the movement would be carried forward. “We will carry this movement forward,” the group said in a statement.

Supporters of Wangchuk have been holding parallel protests at Jantar Mantar. The site has seen a steady stream of students, activists and political workers.

Legal challenges and police action

The Delhi High Court also dismissed a Public Interest Litigation seeking an FIR over the alleged forceful removal of Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar. Live Law reported that the court found no merit in the PIL.

The police had earlier removed Wangchuk from the protest site, leading to accusations of heavy-handedness. The court's dismissal of the PIL suggests it did not find grounds for criminal investigation into the removal.

Authorities have not commented on the specific circumstances of his removal. The focus now remains on his medical care.

The coming days will determine how the government and activists navigate this standoff. Wangchuk's health and the political pressure around the protest will be closely watched.