SC Seeks Explanation from Govt Over Wangchuk’s Arrest

Supreme Court on Monday issued a stern notice to the Centre and the Union Territory of Ladakh, demanding answers over the controversial detention of renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the draconian National Security Act (NSA). The plea, filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, seeks his immediate release, spotlighting what many are calling a heavy-handed crackdown on dissent in the Himalayan region. The case has ignited fierce debate, with activists and citizens rallying behind Wangchuk, a celebrated figure known for his environmental advocacy and grassroots movements.

A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria, while refusing to issue an interim order on providing the grounds for Wangchuk’s detention to his wife, scheduled the next hearing for October 14, signaling that the court is poised to scrutinize the government’s actions closely. Wangchuk, a Ramon Magsaysay Award winner, has been languishing in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur jail since his arrest on September 26, following violent protests in Ladakh that left four dead and 90 injured. The demonstrations, which rocked the Union Territory, were part of a broader demand for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which grants special protections to tribal areas.

Wangchuk’s detention under the NSA—a law allowing authorities to detain individuals for up to a year without formal charges—has drawn widespread condemnation. Critics argue it’s a deliberate attempt to silence his powerful voice, which has galvanized thousands to push for Ladakh’s autonomy and environmental conservation. Gitanjali’s plea contends that the detention is arbitrary, lacking transparent justification, and violates fundamental rights. “Sonam’s only crime is standing up for Ladakh’s people and its fragile ecosystem,” a close associate of the activist told reporters outside the court, echoing sentiments shared widely on social media platforms like X.

Also Read: Sonam Wangchuk’s Wife Challenges his Arrest in Supreme Court

The protests that led to Wangchuk’s arrest erupted after years of growing unrest in Ladakh, a region that became a Union Territory following the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019. Locals have long demanded statehood to ensure greater administrative control and safeguards for their unique cultural and environmental heritage. The Sixth Schedule, which Wangchuk’s movement champions, would grant Ladakh’s tribal communities autonomous councils to protect their land and traditions from external exploitation. However, the September 24 protests turned tragic when clashes between demonstrators and security forces escalated, resulting in fatalities and injuries that shook the region.

The Supreme Court’s notice has intensified scrutiny on the Centre’s handling of dissent in Ladakh, with legal experts suggesting the case could set a precedent for how the NSA is applied in politically sensitive regions. Wangchuk, whose work inspired the Bollywood film 3 Idiots, has become a symbol of resistance, blending environmental activism with calls for regional autonomy. His arrest has sparked protests not only in Ladakh but also in cities like Delhi and Mumbai, where supporters have held candlelight vigils and circulated petitions demanding his release.

As the October 14 hearing looms, all eyes are on the Supreme Court to deliver justice in a case that pits individual rights against state authority. For now, Wangchuk remains behind bars, but his cause—amplified by his wife’s courageous plea—continues to resonate, fueling a growing movement for Ladakh’s future and the protection of its pristine landscapes.

Also Read: Bihar Deputy CM Caught in Scandal: Did He Lie to Supreme Court to Evade Murder Trial