The Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed authorities to shift climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram for continued medical care.

The order was passed while hearing a petition filed by Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, who had sought his transfer to the private hospital following concerns over his health after a 20-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.

The court said Wangchuk should be transferred to the hospital of his family's choice and directed Medanta to form a panel of doctors to supervise his treatment. The medical facility will also receive all records, test results and treatment details from Safdarjung Hospital to ensure continuity of care.

A detailed order is expected to be issued by the court later on Tuesday.

The latest ruling marks a shift from the High Court's earlier position, when it had found no fault with the government's decision to move Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated during the hunger strike.

Following the court's decision, Angmo expressed her gratitude on social media and praised Wangchuk's legal team, describing the outcome as a major victory achieved despite difficult circumstances.

Centre Raises Concern Over Possible Discharge

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, told the court that the government did not oppose Wangchuk's transfer to Medanta.

However, Mehta urged the court to ensure that the activist remained under medical supervision and was not discharged against the advice of doctors. He raised concerns that Wangchuk could potentially return to the protest site after leaving the hospital, which he said could pose a serious risk to his health.

The Solicitor General maintained that Wangchuk could choose both his hospital and treating doctors but argued that precautions were necessary given his medical condition.

Court Notes Need for Continued Monitoring

During the hearing, the Bench considered Wangchuk's medical records and took into account discussions with the doctors who had been treating him.

The court noted that there was broad agreement among the medical professionals that Wangchuk required ongoing monitoring. While the doctors indicated that such supervision could be provided at any suitable hospital, one of the physicians, Dr Tandon, had recommended that he continue to remain under hospital care.

Based on these considerations, the Bench proposed shifting Wangchuk to Medanta, the medical facility preferred by his family.

The Solicitor General subsequently raised an objection, stating that he had consulted the government before presenting its position before the court.

The court's order now clears the way for Wangchuk's transfer to Medanta, where his further treatment will be overseen by a panel of doctors.