A three-member advisory board, constituted by the Leh administration, will examine the detention of climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) at Jodhpur Central Jail. The hearing is set for Friday, with security significantly tightened around the facility in anticipation of the proceedings. The panel is chaired by former judge MK Hujura and comprises District Judge Manoj Parihar and social activist Spal Jayesh Angmo. The members traveled to Jodhpur on official duty and were accommodated at the Circuit House before proceeding to the jail for the review. Wangchuk’s wife, Geetanjali J Angmo, is expected to be present during the session to represent her husband’s case.
Wangchuk was detained on September 26 in connection with widespread protests in Leh demanding Sixth Schedule safeguards and full statehood for Ladakh. The demonstrations turned violent, resulting in four deaths and several injuries. Following his arrest, authorities transferred him to Jodhpur Central Jail, where he remains under a form of house arrest within the prison premises.
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Geetanjali has pursued legal recourse at multiple levels, filing representations with local administration, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Supreme Court. In a detailed affidavit submitted to the apex court, she alleged systematic infringement of her fundamental rights during two visits to Jodhpur in October. According to her account, on October 7 and 11, Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Rajasthan Police personnel intercepted her immediately upon arrival at Jodhpur airport. She was directed into an official vehicle with windows covered by white curtains and transported under close escort to the jail. Officers demanded details of her travel itinerary and intended duration of stay prior to each meeting.
During the visits, two personnel remained within audible range, monitoring conversations and photographing legal notes passed by Wangchuk. Geetanjali was barred from interacting with any other individuals in Jodhpur and, after each visit, was escorted by train to Merta Road Junction—located two hours beyond the city—before being permitted to continue her journey.
A habeas corpus petition challenging the legality of Wangchuk’s detention is currently under consideration by a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Arvind Kumar and N V Anjaria. The case has drawn attention to procedural concerns under the NSA and the treatment of detainees’ families.
The advisory board’s review will determine whether sufficient grounds exist to continue Wangchuk’s detention. Its recommendations are advisory in nature but carry significant weight in NSA proceedings.
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