Supreme Court to hear plea challenging Sonam Wangchuk's detention today
What's the story
The Supreme Court will hear a plea filed by Gitanjali J Angmo, wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, challenging his detention under the National Security Act (NSA) over recent violence during protests in Leh. The hearing is scheduled for 10:30am on Monday before Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria. The plea seeks Wangchuk's immediate release from Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan.
Detention details
Wangchuk detained after Leh protests demanding statehood, Sixth Schedule
Wangchuk was detained on September 26, two days after protests in Leh left four dead and around 90 injured. The protesters were demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. Angmo has questioned the NSA invocation, which permits up to 12 months of detention without trial. She also shared a picture of the legal team on X, which includes Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal.
Legal arguments
Plea argues detention violates fundamental rights
Angmo's plea, filed through senior lawyers Vivek Tankha and Sarvam Ritam Khare, argues that Wangchuk's detention is "illegal, arbitrary, and unconstitutional." It claims violation of fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19, 21, and 22 of the Constitution. The plea also seeks immediate access to Wangchuk and quashing of the preventive detention order.
Community response
Harassment of students at Wangchuk's institute alleged in plea
According to the plea, Wangchuk was detained while recovering from a fast for constitutional safeguards in Ladakh. He was moved to Jodhpur Central Jail without being provided medicines or personal belongings. The plea also alleges harassment of students and staff at his Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL). It further highlights mental anguish in the Ladakh community, including a suicide by a member of the Ladakh Buddhist Association.
Jail statement
Wangchuk calls for judicial inquiry into violence
On Sunday, Wangchuk assured his well-being in a message through lawyer Mustafa Haji from Jodhpur Central Jail. He reiterated support for the constitutional demands of the Sixth Schedule and statehood for Ladakh. The activist also called for an independent judicial inquiry into the violence that took place on September 24, for which the Centre blamed his speeches.