The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Union government whether it could reconsider the continued detention of climate activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk, citing concerns regarding his health condition. A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and P B Varale observed that Wangchuk, currently held under the National Security Act (NSA), has been in custody for five months and is reportedly facing health issues.
The court directed Additional Solicitor General K M Nataraj, representing the Centre, to seek instructions from the relevant authorities on whether Wangchuk’s detention could be reviewed. “Beyond legal arguments, as officers of the court, some thought must be given to his condition,” the bench stated during the hearing.
Wangchuk was detained on 26 September 2025 and has been lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail since then.
Centre Cites National Security Concerns
The Union government opposed his release, stating that Wangchuk was instigating people in a sensitive border area adjoining China and Pakistan. During recent arguments, the Centre claimed that his actions could disrupt national unity and security in the strategically significant region of Ladakh.
The government also alleged that Wangchuk’s comments were attempting to create a narrative comparing Ladakh with other neighbouring countries, which could provoke unrest. It argued that allowing such speech would be harmful to the country’s internal cohesion, especially in a region with complex geopolitical sensitivities.
Wife Challenges NSA Detention in Top Court
Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, had approached the Supreme Court earlier, challenging the legality of his detention. Represented by senior advocate Kapil Sibal, she contended that Wangchuk had been held without proper justification and that officials had failed to consider facts impartially before invoking the NSA.
The petition submitted that Wangchuk had not been provided access to the four videos cited as evidence for his detention, thereby denying him a fair opportunity to defend himself. It was argued that this had also curtailed his ability to present his case to the advisory board monitoring NSA detentions.
Angmo also pointed out that Wangchuk had publicly condemned the violence that occurred during the protests in Leh on 24 September 2025, distancing himself from the incidents that led to fatalities and injuries.
Arrest Followed Protest Demanding Ladakh Statehood
Wangchuk was taken into preventive custody shortly after large-scale demonstrations in Leh, part of a movement demanding full statehood for Ladakh. The protests turned violent, resulting in four deaths and over 90 people being injured. The authorities have maintained that Wangchuk played a role in inciting the violence.
The central government had invoked the National Security Act to detain Wangchuk, a provision that permits authorities to hold individuals for up to 12 months if they are deemed a threat to national security or public order.
Detention Conditions Also Questioned
Angmo has raised concerns regarding the conditions in which her husband is being held. She alleged that Wangchuk is being forced to sleep on the floor without basic amenities such as a bed or sufficient space to walk. She also claimed the government is unnecessarily delaying proceedings as it lacks substantial evidence to support the detention.
The matter continues to be under consideration by the Supreme Court, which has asked the Centre to respond on the possibility of reviewing the activist’s custody in light of his health status and the legal arguments presented.