New Delhi: The Centre on Wednesday informed the Supreme Court that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has undergone 24 medical examinations since his detention and is in stable condition, asserting that there are no alarming health concerns warranting his release.
Appearing before a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and PB Varale, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that Wangchuk is “fit, hale and hearty” and is receiving treatment for minor digestive issues. He argued that the reasons cited in the detention order remain valid and that releasing him on medical grounds would not be appropriate.
“We have examined his health periodically for 24 times. There is nothing alarming. The grounds for detention continue, and it will not be possible to release him on health grounds,” Mehta told the court, adding that the authorities have given the matter due consideration.
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj contended that Wangchuk had played a leading role in inciting protests in Ladakh. He alleged that the activist acted as a “chief provocateur” and had influenced young people by referring to movements such as the Nepal agitation and the Arab Spring.
However, the bench questioned the interpretation of Wangchuk’s statements. When Nataraj claimed that Wangchuk had suggested similar unrest could occur in India, the judges asked where such a direct assertion had been made. The ASG responded that the intent had to be inferred from his remarks.
The bench observed that Wangchuk appeared to be recounting concerns expressed by youth rather than endorsing violent action. “Read the complete sentence. He is saying this is something worrying. If somebody expresses that violent method is not the proper way, you are doing too much of reading,” the court remarked.
The matter is being heard on a habeas corpus petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, challenging his detention under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980. She has sought a declaration that the detention is unlawful.
Angmo argued that the incidents of violence that occurred in Leh on September 24 last year cannot be linked to Wangchuk’s statements or actions. She maintained that Wangchuk publicly condemned the violence through social media, describing it as the “saddest day” of his life and warning that such actions would undermine Ladakh’s peaceful movement.
The NSA allows the Centre and state governments to detain individuals to prevent actions deemed prejudicial to national security or defence. The law permits detention for up to 12 months, subject to review and potential revocation.
The court is continuing to examine the legality of the detention and the grounds cited by the government.
