Supreme Court Reviews Sonam Wangchuk's Controversial Detention Under NSA

The Supreme Court is examining the case of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's detention under the National Security Act. Wangchuk's wife argues his detention is illegal and an abuse of power, as it lacks justification and violates constitutional rights. The court awaits responses from the Centre and Ladakh administration.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought responses from the Centre and Ladakh administration concerning Sonam Wangchuk's detention under the National Security Act (NSA). The plea, filed by Wangchuk's wife, claims his detention is an arbitrary exercise violating his fundamental rights.

A bench led by Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria requested Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to respond within ten days, deferring the hearing to November 24. The amended plea describes the detention as based on outdated charges and speculative assertions, lacking any justifiable legal basis.

Wangchuk, renowned for his grassroots educational and environmental contributions, faced coordinated legal actions shortly before elections and discussions involving local alliances and the Ministry of Home Affairs. The plea condemns the detention as a tactic to silence dissent, with no evidence connecting Wangchuk to recent violence. His detention under the NSA, criticized for procedural lapses, raises concerns over constitutional safeguards.

(With inputs from agencies.)