The Delhi High Court on Monday (20 July) sought a comprehensive set of medical records relating to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk while hearing an appeal filed by his wife, Dr. Gitanjali J. Angmo, challenging a single-judge order refusing to shift him from Safdarjung Hospital to a private hospital.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia directed Safdarjung Hospital to place all pathological reports and health records before the Court through an affidavit. The Bench also requested senior doctors from AIIMS and the doctors treating Wangchuk to remain present at the next hearing.
Background of the Case
Wangchuk was taken from Delhi's Jantar Mantar on July 18 after he had been on an indefinite hunger strike. He was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital following concerns over his health. His wife later approached the High Court, alleging that he had been forcibly kept in the hospital and denied the freedom to choose his own treatment.
A single judge had earlier declined to grant interim relief for his transfer to a private hospital. Aggrieved by that order, Dr. Angmo filed the present appeal before the Division Bench.
Arguments Before the Court
Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal, appearing for Dr. Angmo, argued that Wangchuk was conscious, medically aware, and capable of making decisions regarding his treatment. He submitted that the family had not been provided with complete medical reports and questioned why Wangchuk was allegedly prevented from leaving the hospital.
According to the appellant, the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution includes a competent adult's right to decide whether to accept treatment and where such treatment should be received.
On the other hand, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Union Government and Delhi Police, argued that while bodily autonomy is important, the State also has a duty to protect life when deterioration in a person's health could have wider public consequences.
He informed the Court that Wangchuk's blood samples had been examined by Safdarjung Hospital, AIIMS, and a private laboratory, with substantially similar findings.
Court's Observations
The Bench refrained from expressing any opinion on the medical assessment at this stage but emphasised that it required complete medical material before taking a decision.
The Court observed,
"The pathological reports are to be corroborated with the clinical condition of the patient."
While noting the family's grievance regarding access to medical records, the Bench also remarked that expert medical opinions could not be lightly questioned without examining the complete evidence.
The judges further stated that the Court's immediate concern was Wangchuk's health. As the Bench observed,
"The Court's concern is to save his life first. Not anything else."
Court's Decision
The Delhi High Court directed the Director of Safdarjung Hospital to file an affidavit enclosing all pathological reports based on samples analysed by Safdarjung Hospital, AIIMS, and the private laboratory, along with the relevant medical records.
The Court also directed Dr. Gitanjali Angmo to place on record the private medical reports relied upon by her and requested the concerned doctors from AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, and the family-appointed doctor to remain present during the next hearing.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on July 21, when the Court will consider the medical material before deciding the appeal.
Case Details
Case Title: Gitanjali J. Angmo v. Union of India & Ors.
Judge: Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia
Decision Date: July 20, 2026
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