New Delhi — The District Magistrate (DM) of Leh has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court, asserting that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk engaged in activities detrimental to the security of the state, public order, and essential services, justifying his detention under the National Security Act (NSA).
Wangchuk was arrested on September 26, 2025, following violent protests in Leh demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. The protests resulted in four fatalities and over 90 injuries. Authorities allege that Wangchuk incited the violence, leading to his preventive detention.
In the affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, the Leh DM stated:
“The stated order of detention came to be passed by me after duly considering the material placed before me, as mandated under law, and after arriving at a subjective satisfaction on the circumstances that prevailed within the local limits of the jurisdiction where Sonam Wangchuk had been indulging in activities prejudicial to the Security of the State, Maintenance of Public Order and Services essential to the community as mentioned in the grounds of detention.”
The affidavit further clarified that Wangchuk was informed of his detention under the NSA and his transfer to Central Jail, Jodhpur, Rajasthan. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, was also notified telephonically, which she acknowledged in her petition challenging the detention.
The DM emphasized that the grounds for detention were communicated to Wangchuk, and the detention order was forwarded to the Advisory Board as required under Section 10 of the NSA. Wangchuk has not made any representation to the Advisory Board, although a letter addressed to the President of India was submitted by his wife. This letter was placed before the Advisory Board, which has informed Wangchuk in writing to make a representation if he so chooses within one week from October 10, 2025.
The Supreme Court had scheduled a hearing for October 15, 2025, to address the habeas corpus petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife. However, due to Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal’s prior commitments, the hearing was postponed. The court is expected to consider the matter on the next available date.
The NSA empowers the Centre and states to detain individuals to prevent them from acting in a manner “prejudicial to the defence of India.” The maximum detention period is 12 months, though it can be revoked earlier.
Wangchuk remains lodged in Jodhpur Jail, Rajasthan.
