Supreme Court Adjourns Plea Against Sonam Wangchuk’s Arrest to October 29
The Supreme Court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of a plea filed by the wife of climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, challenging his detention under the National Security Act (NSA). The matter will now be taken up on October 29.
During the brief hearing, the bench permitted Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, to amend her petition by adding new grounds and reliefs in response to recent developments. The court also noted the central government’s statement that it had no objection to Wangchuk sharing his personal notes on his detention with his legal counsel. This move is seen as a step toward ensuring his right to prepare a proper defense.
Wangchuk, a well-known engineer and environmentalist from Ladakh, was detained earlier this year under the NSA following large-scale protests in the Union Territory. The protests, which turned violent, were reportedly linked to local demands for constitutional safeguards, including statehood and protection of land and jobs under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
His detention has drawn national and international attention, sparking debates about the use of preventive detention laws against activists. Civil society members and rights organizations have expressed concern that the NSA, intended to prevent threats to national security, is being misused to suppress dissent.
In her petition, Angmo contends that the detention was unlawful and violated Wangchuk’s fundamental rights to liberty and free expression. She has sought his immediate release and a judicial review of the detention order. The court’s decision to allow her to amend the plea indicates that the case may now expand to include wider constitutional arguments.
Meanwhile, several groups in Ladakh and across India have called for peaceful demonstrations demanding Wangchuk’s release. Supporters describe him as a symbol of sustainable development and ecological responsibility, known for his contributions to education and climate awareness in the Himalayan region.
The next hearing on October 29 is expected to be crucial, as the court may decide whether to issue formal notices to the Union Territory administration and the central government or to hear arguments on the legality of Wangchuk’s detention under the NSA.
During the brief hearing, the bench permitted Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, to amend her petition by adding new grounds and reliefs in response to recent developments. The court also noted the central government’s statement that it had no objection to Wangchuk sharing his personal notes on his detention with his legal counsel. This move is seen as a step toward ensuring his right to prepare a proper defense.
Wangchuk, a well-known engineer and environmentalist from Ladakh, was detained earlier this year under the NSA following large-scale protests in the Union Territory. The protests, which turned violent, were reportedly linked to local demands for constitutional safeguards, including statehood and protection of land and jobs under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
His detention has drawn national and international attention, sparking debates about the use of preventive detention laws against activists. Civil society members and rights organizations have expressed concern that the NSA, intended to prevent threats to national security, is being misused to suppress dissent.
In her petition, Angmo contends that the detention was unlawful and violated Wangchuk’s fundamental rights to liberty and free expression. She has sought his immediate release and a judicial review of the detention order. The court’s decision to allow her to amend the plea indicates that the case may now expand to include wider constitutional arguments.
Meanwhile, several groups in Ladakh and across India have called for peaceful demonstrations demanding Wangchuk’s release. Supporters describe him as a symbol of sustainable development and ecological responsibility, known for his contributions to education and climate awareness in the Himalayan region.
The next hearing on October 29 is expected to be crucial, as the court may decide whether to issue formal notices to the Union Territory administration and the central government or to hear arguments on the legality of Wangchuk’s detention under the NSA.