By: The Trek News Desk
The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to the Centre and the Ladakh Administration regarding the detention of social activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA). The notice was issued following a petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, who challenged the legality of his detention. The Court has scheduled the next hearing for October 14.
The bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria took up the matter after Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Gitanjali Angmo, argued that her husband’s detention was unlawful. Sibal claimed that the detention lacked legal grounds, emphasising that the actions against Wangchuk were unjustified.
On the other hand, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Ladakh Administration, informed the court that the grounds for Wangchuk’s detention had already been provided to him. He also mentioned that Wangchuk’s lawyer and brother had been allowed to meet him in prison. However, Sibal contended that the grounds for detention should also be made available to Wangchuk’s wife.
Mehta added that Angmo’s request to meet her husband was under consideration by the authorities.
Allegations by Gitanjali Angmo
In her petition, Gitanjali Angmo accused the authorities of launching a “systematic campaign” against her husband, linking him to Pakistan and China without any factual basis. She strongly rejected these allegations, arguing that they were part of an attempt to discredit Wangchuk’s peaceful Gandhian movement aimed at protecting the fragile ecology of Ladakh.
Angmo stated, “A false and defamatory campaign has been launched against Wangchuk and his colleagues. Specifically, unfounded claims of links with Pakistan and China are being spread, with the sole intention of maligning his peaceful environmental movement.”
She further stressed, “These allegations are not only false but dangerous, as they seek to stigmatise democratic dissent and portray environmental activism as anti-national. In reality, Wangchuk has always worked for national unity and has been a strong supporter of the Indian Army, contributing innovative solutions such as high-altitude shelters for border areas.”
Support for Wangchuk’s Activism
Angmo highlighted that her husband, Sonam Wangchuk, has consistently adopted peaceful, Gandhian methods to raise awareness about the ecological issues in Ladakh, including its melting glaciers and fragile environment. Wangchuk has also been involved in grassroots movements for the protection of the rights of Ladakh’s people. She pointed out that his contributions also extend to supporting the Indian Army through his innovations for border areas.
“The detention of Wangchuk is not only an infringement of his rights but is causing deep emotional distress to the people of Ladakh,” Angmo added. “His arrest undermines the aspirations of Ladakh’s people and poses a threat to their constitutional rights.”
Wangchuk’s Detention
Sonam Wangchuk was detained on September 26 under the NSA, following his alleged involvement in instigating violent protests in Ladakh on September 24. These protests, which turned violent, led to police firing, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. After his arrest, Wangchuk was shifted to a prison in Jodhpur.
Upcoming Supreme Court Hearing
The Supreme Court has directed the Centre and the Ladakh Administration to file their responses by the next hearing scheduled for October 14. This case has sparked a national debate, particularly regarding the charges against Wangchuk and the broader implications for environmental activism and dissent in India.
Wangchuk’s arrest and the subsequent campaign against him have drawn attention to the pressing ecological concerns of Ladakh, reigniting discussions on the protection of its environment and the rights of its people. As the case moves forward, it is expected to become a pivotal moment in the ongoing conversation about the intersection of national security, environmentalism, and civil liberties in India.
Source: News Agencies
