SC to hear plea challenging Sonam Wangchuk's NSA detention
SC to hear plea challenging Sonam Wangchuk's NSA detention
The Supreme Court will hear a plea by Wangchuk's wife claiming his NSA detention is illegal, arguing it targets dissent after Leh violence.
The Supreme Court is set to hear on Monday a plea filed by Sonam Wangchuk’s wife challenging the climate activist’s detention under the National Security Act, calling it illegal and an arbitrary curb on fundamental rights. Wangchuk was detained on September 26, two days after violent protests in Leh demanding Statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh left several dead and many injured, with the government accusing him of inciting violence.
The court’s order on October 29 directed the Centre and the Ladakh administration to respond to the amended plea filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo. The matter is listed for hearing before a bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria on November 24, as per the court’s cause list.
At the heart of the petition is whether Wangchuk’s acts prejudiced public order, a key trigger for NSA detention. The petition argues that the unrest in Leh cannot be attributed to his actions or statements, and contends that the detention constitutes an illegal restriction on dissent. The wife also contends that the arrest appears to be based on stale allegations and amounts to a broader attempt to silence dissent, raising questions about due process and fundamental rights.
The dispute adds to the wider scrutiny of NSA uses in political and civil contexts, with activists and observers watching how the judiciary will interpret the balance between security concerns and constitutional freedoms. The upcoming hearing could clarify the standards applied to detention orders tied to public order and the scope for challenge against such preventive measures in sensitive regional contexts.
Leh, a focal point of the case, is likely to be the backdrop for discussions on governance, security, and civil liberties in the region, underscoring the ongoing tension between security powers and individual rights in volatile situations.
Cover image source: SC to hear on November 24 plea challenging climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's detention 🔗
