The Supreme Court has resolved a habeas corpus petition filed by Gitanjali J. Angmo challenging the detention of her husband, Ladakh-based social activist Sonam Wangchuk, under the National Security Act. The court noted that Wangchuk had been released as the preventive detention order had been revoked by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on March 14.
The bench, consisting of Justices Aravind Kumar and P.B. Varale, was informed by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that the NSA detention of Wangchuk had been withdrawn. Consequently, the court observed that with the detention order no longer in place, the petition had become irrelevant and closed the proceedings.
Wangchuk’s wife had filed the petition, alleging his detention was unlawful and violated his fundamental rights. Wangchuk, a climate activist, was detained on September 26, 2025, under the NSA after a disturbance in Leh. He spent 170 days in Jodhpur Central Jail before his release.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, in canceling the detention, emphasized the government’s commitment to peace and dialogue in the region. The Supreme Court had earlier suggested the government reconsider Wangchuk’s detention due to his health and age. Following his release, Wangchuk expressed gratitude for the public support and legal efforts, aiming for constructive dialogue with authorities to address Ladakh’s issues.
