Supreme Court Delays Decision on Activist Wangchuk's Detention

The Supreme Court has postponed hearing a plea by Gitanjali Angmo, wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, against his NSA detention. The court will reconvene on October 15 after senior advocate Kapil Sibal requested more time. Wangchuk is accused of inciting protests demanding statehood for Ladakh.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court adjourned a plea by Gitanjali Angmo, wife of detained climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, seeking his release from incarceration under the National Security Act (NSA). The hearing, initially scheduled for today, has been postponed to October 15 as per senior advocate Kapil Sibal's request.

The bench, comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria, cited time constraints, promising a hearing on the subsequent date as urged by Sibal. Previously, the court requested a response from central authorities, Ladakh's Union Territory administration, and the Jodhpur Central Jail superintendent regarding Wangchuk's detention.

Advocate Sibal argued that the family has not been informed about the detention grounds, calling it unlawful under Article 22 due to lack of transparency. The solicitation challenges the arrest legitimacy and aims to revoke the detention, which purportedly stifles free speech under Article 19 and targets Wangchuk's peaceful environmental activism for Ladakh.

However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, maintained that Wangchuk was informed of the detention reasons and there's no legal necessity to inform his spouse. Charged under NSA, following violent protests advocating Ladakh's statehood, Wangchuk has been jailed since September 26 after relocation to Jodhpur Central Jail.

Petitioners argue the detention and subsequent charges are baseless, devised to defame and undermine Wangchuk's Gandhian, ecological campaign. Concerns have been raised over allegations of Wangchuk's supposed ties with Pakistan and China, a narrative designed to discredit his movement in protecting Ladakh's environment and livelihood.

Additionally, the petition contests Wangchuk's transfer to Jodhpur, distanced significantly from Ladakh where the protests originated. The deferred court decision leaves Wangchuk's fate unresolved as the region continues its demand for constitutional inclusion and environmental protection.

(With inputs from agencies.)