SC Probes NSA Detention: Did Wangchuk Actually See Videos Cited in His Arrest?
Supreme Court questions Centre if Sonam Wangchuk was shown four videos cited in his NSA detention order.
The Supreme Court on Thursday raised critical questions regarding the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA), asking the Union Government if he had actually seen the four videos cited as the basis for his arrest. The matter comes amid allegations that Wangchuk was not provided complete material supporting the detention order.
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj argued on behalf of the Centre and Leh administration that Wangchuk’s detention helped curb escalating violence and agitation in Ladakh, claiming the move was justified. “After the detention, complete agitation and violence came under control, proving that the order was appropriate,” he submitted to a Bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and PB Varale.
The government further maintained that the detaining authority had applied its mind fully and followed all procedural safeguards. ASG Nataraj contended that Wangchuk had acknowledged receipt of the material, implying he had access to the videos. However, the petitioner disputed this, asserting that the documents provided did not include the four key videos and that Wangchuk had repeatedly requested them through formal representations.
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The Supreme Court probed whether Wangchuk’s acknowledgment meant he had actually seen the videos or simply received the materials listed in an index. The bench emphasized that matters of national interest, especially in border areas experiencing unrest, required careful consideration alongside fundamental rights. “National interest should be the paramount consideration,” Nataraj told the Court, underscoring the sensitivity of the situation in Leh.
The case is now scheduled for further hearing on Monday, February 16, when Wangchuk’s wife and petitioner, Gitanjali J Angmo, will present rejoinder arguments. The Court signaled that detailed clarifications from the government would be required regarding procedural compliance and the authenticity of the materials shown to Wangchuk.
Observers say the case could have far-reaching implications for the application of the NSA in situations involving civil activism. The debate over transparency, procedural fairness, and the balance between national security and fundamental rights continues to dominate legal and public discourse.
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