HC allows Sonam Wangchuk’s transfer to private hospital amid hunger strike; Centre says ‘no objection’

NEW DELHI: Scientist and activist Sonam Wangchuk on Tuesday received permission from the Delhi high court to be shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to a private hospital, amid his prolonged hunger strike over the alleged NEET paper leak.The court’s decision came after Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, challenged a Single Judge’s order refusing to allow his transfer from Safdarjung Hospital.During the hearing, the Centre informed the high court that it had “no objection” to Wangchuk being shifted to Medanta Hospital, while requesting that he remain under continuous medical supervision.“The Centre has no objection to shifting Sonam Wangchuk to Medanta Hospital,” Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted, but urged that Wangchuk “remain under continuous medical supervision and not be discharged except on the advice of Medanta’s doctors.”The Bench also proposed that Wangchuk be transferred along with all his medical records from Safdarjung Hospital and said it would pass a formal order after lunch.Wangchuk entered Day 24 of his continued hunger strike on Tuesday.