New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the central government, the Union Territory of Ladakh, and the Superintendent of Police at Jodhpur Central Jail over a petition challenging the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA). The petition, filed by his wife Gitanjali Angmo, calls for his immediate release and questions the legality of his detention.
The matter has been scheduled for hearing on October 14. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Angmo, argued before the bench that the grounds for Wangchuk’s detention had not been shared with his family, raising concerns about transparency and due process.
Responding to the claim, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that while the grounds for detention had been provided to Wangchuk himself, he would verify whether it was necessary to furnish a separate copy to his wife as well.
The case has drawn national attention due to Wangchuk’s prominence as an environmental campaigner and education reformer. His recent activism related to environmental and administrative concerns in Ladakh has been under scrutiny, with critics alleging that his detention is an attempt to stifle dissent.
The court’s decision to issue notice signals a willingness to examine the procedural aspects of the case, particularly under the strict provisions of the NSA, which allows preventive detention in matters deemed a threat to national security.
