Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday took note of the amended petition filed by Gitanjali J Angmo, wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, challenging his detention under the National Security Act (NSA). The apex court has sought responses from the Centre and the Union Territory of Ladakh within ten days, according to PTI reports.
Court Directs Centre and UT to Respond
A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre and the Ladakh administration, to submit their responses before the next hearing on November 24. The bench also permitted senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Angmo, to file a rejoinder if necessary.
On October 15, the court had postponed the hearing after Angmo requested time to file an amended plea with additional grounds against her husband’s detention. Wangchuk remains lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail, Rajasthan. The court had previously noted that Wangchuk’s elder brother and legal counsel were allowed to meet him, following confirmation from jail authorities.
Background of the Case
The Supreme Court had earlier, on October 6, issued notices to the Centre and the UT of Ladakh but refrained from passing interim orders on Angmo’s plea seeking access to the grounds of detention. Wangchuk was detained on September 26 under the NSA — just two days after violent protests in Ladakh demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The unrest resulted in four deaths and over 90 injuries, with authorities alleging that the activist had played a role in inciting the violence.
NSA Detention and Legal Context
Under the National Security Act, authorities can detain individuals whose actions are deemed “prejudicial to the defence of India.” The Act permits detention for up to 12 months, although it can be revoked earlier upon review. Wangchuk’s detention has sparked widespread debate and protests from activists, who call it a suppression of dissent in the sensitive border region.
