Legal Battle Over Activist Sonam Wangchuk's Detention Heats Up

The Supreme Court hears a plea challenging the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act. The Centre opposes his request for a video conference hearing from Jodhpur jail. His detention is contested as unconstitutional and based on outdated claims.

The Supreme Court of India is currently deliberating on a plea regarding the contested detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA). The government's opposition was met with challenges from Wangchuk's legal team, which is seeking to allow a video conferencing option from Jodhpur jail.

Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, has presented the plea arguing that his detention infringes upon his fundamental rights, calling it an arbitrary use of power with no concrete evidential basis. The court heard from Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Angmo, as he advocated for a fair trial for Wangchuk.

The Centre has remained firm against any special treatment in the form of video conferencing, arguing for a uniform approach to detainee treatment nationwide. Wangchuk's detention follows violent protests in Ladakh, though his involvement is strongly denied. The case is slated for further hearing on December 15.

(With inputs from agencies.)