New Delhi, July 19: The Delhi High Court on Sunday declined to grant interim relief to noted climate activist Sonam Wangchuk by refusing to direct his discharge from Safdarjung Hospital, observing that the government’s decision to shift him to the medical facility was neither arbitrary nor unlawful.
Hearing the matter, Justice Mini Pushkarna noted that Wangchuk had been admitted to the hospital after his health deteriorated and was currently under proper medical supervision. The Court observed that he had also consented to the administration of electrolytes, indicating that his right to bodily autonomy had not been infringed.
The High Court held that Wangchuk had not voluntarily sought hospitalisation despite his worsening condition, adding that the authorities were justified in intervening to safeguard his health and well-being.
The Court further recorded that Wangchuk’s family members have unrestricted access to meet him at the hospital and found no immediate need to issue interim directions regarding his discharge.
However, the Court directed the authorities to provide Wangchuk’s medical reports to his family members to ensure transparency in his treatment. Notices were also issued to all concerned parties, and the matter has been listed for further hearing on July 24.
The case pertains to Wangchuk’s challenge to his continued hospitalisation, with the Court expected to examine the matter in greater detail during the next hearing.(KNC)
