NEW DELHI: In a significant development following a plea challenging the detention of climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA), the Supreme Court on Monday directed the case be posted for further hearing on October 14.
The bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria issued notice to the Union government and the Ladakh Union Territory administration on the habeas corpus petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Dr. Gitanjali J. Angmo.
A crucial interim relief was granted by the court, which allowed Dr. Angmo to meet her husband, who is currently lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail, Rajasthan. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Dr. Angmo, sought permission for the meeting, citing the family’s lack of access since Wangchuk’s detention on September 26.
While Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, opposed the request, arguing it was an attempt to create an “emotive atmosphere,” Justice Kumar affirmed that Dr. Angmo would be permitted to meet her husband in accordance with the prison rules.
Grounds of Detention Remain Contentious
The primary point of contention during the hearing revolved around the grounds for Wangchuk’s detention. Mr. Sibal argued that without the grounds of detention being communicated to the family, challenging the preventive detention order becomes impossible.
The Solicitor General submitted that the grounds have been served to the detenu (Wangchuk) himself, and there is no legal mandate under the NSA to serve them to his wife. However, the bench orally asked the Solicitor General to consider communicating a copy of the grounds of detention to Dr. Angmo as well, though it refrained from passing a formal order on the matter on Monday.
Background of the Detention
Sonam Wangchuk, known globally for his work in sustainable development in Ladakh, was detained on September 26, two days after violent clashes erupted in Leh. The protests were centered on long-standing demands for full statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to protect its fragile ecology and tribal culture.
Authorities invoked the stringent NSA against Wangchuk, alleging that he was responsible for inciting the violence, which resulted in civilian deaths and injuries. Dr. Angmo’s petition challenges this detention as “illegal, arbitrary, and unconstitutional,” arguing that her husband has consistently advocated
