The Supreme Court is set to hear a plea by Gitanjali J. Angmo, the wife of Sonam Wangchuk, a Ladakh-based climate activist detained under the National Security Act. Angmo’s petition challenges the legality of Wangchuk’s detention, citing violations of his fundamental rights. The hearing, adjourned to Thursday, will address the alleged arbitrary exercise of the NSA.
Angmo’s habeas corpus petition highlights the “illegal” nature of Wangchuk’s incarceration, presenting the case before a panel of Justices Aravind Kumar and P.B. Varale. During a recent hearing, the Bench led by Justice Aravind Kumar acknowledged the petitioner’s request to show a video during the proceedings. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Angmo, confirmed that the other party had been informed beforehand.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that he might be absent due to prior commitments, leading to an arrangement for the hearing to proceed as scheduled on Thursday. The Supreme Court had earlier permitted Angmo to amend her petition and directed relevant authorities to provide further responses. The revised petition argues that Wangchuk’s detention lacked proper procedural safeguards and was hastily executed without adequate grounds.
In response, the Ladakh administration defended the detention, citing Wangchuk’s alleged involvement in inciting unrest in Leh. The District Magistrate of Leh affirmed the detention order, stating it was necessary to maintain state security and public order. Wangchuk, known for his environmental and educational work, was detained in September and later transferred to Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan.
