Supreme Court Intervenes in Activist Sonam Wangchuk's Controversial Detention

The Supreme Court has requested explanations from the Centre and Ladakh on the detention of activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act. His wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, is challenging the detention, citing it as arbitrary and unconstitutional, demanding his release and access to him during his jail term.

The Supreme Court on Monday demanded a response from the Centre and the Union Territory of Ladakh concerning a writ petition by Gitanjali J Angmo, wife of detained activist Sonam Wangchuk. The plea challenges Wangchuk's detention under the National Security Act (NSA) and seeks his immediate release.

A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria has scheduled the hearing for October 14, refraining from issuing any immediate orders for providing the grounds of detention. Wangchuk, arrested post-violent protests for Ladakh's statehood, was accused of inciting violence and detained under NSA, which permits detention up to a year.

The petition highlights Wangchuk's international repute as an innovator and environmentalist, alleging his detention is a suppression of democratic dissent. While denying detention grounds to Wangchuk's family, authorities transferred him to Jodhpur jail, sparking outrage and claims of mental distress within the Ladakh community.

(With inputs from agencies.)