Renowned Activist Sonam Wangchuk, known for his contributions to education, environmental conservation, and nation-building in Ladakh, has told the Supreme Court that he is being unfairly portrayed as a criminal despite having received 30 awards for his positive work over the years. Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, an educator, has filed a petition challenging his detention under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), arguing that the invocation of the law is disproportionate and politically motivated.

Wangchuk was arrested on September 26, 2025, following violent clashes in Leh during large-scale protests demanding full statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for tribal protection. The protests, which began peacefully, turned violent when demonstrators clashed with security forces, leading to injuries on both sides and significant public disruption. Authorities accused Wangchuk of inciting the crowd and failing to control the situation, despite his repeated public statements against violence.

In his submission to the apex court, Wangchuk highlighted his lifelong commitment to non-violence and nation-building. He pointed out that he has been honored with 30 national and state-level awards for initiatives such as the Ice Stupa project (to combat water scarcity), educational reforms in remote Himalayan regions, and advocacy for sustainable development. "I have always spoken against violence and worked for the betterment of Ladakh and India," Wangchuk's petition states, adding that the current portrayal of him as a threat to national security is a gross misrepresentation.

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The petition further argues that the application of the NSA—a law allowing preventive detention without trial for up to one year—is excessive in this case, as no specific act of violence was directly attributed to Wangchuk, and the protests were rooted in legitimate demands for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh's tribal population. Gitanjali Angmo, the petitioner, has sought immediate release of her husband, quashing of the NSA order, and protection of his fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution.

The Supreme Court has admitted the petition and is likely to hear detailed arguments in the coming weeks. The case has reignited debate over the use of preventive detention laws in democratic protests, the aspirations of Ladakh's people post-2019 bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir, and the balance between maintaining public order and respecting the right to peaceful assembly.

Wangchuk's detention has drawn widespread attention from civil society groups, environmentalists, and Ladakhis, many of whom view him as a symbol of resistance against perceived neglect of the region's interests. The outcome of the petition could have significant implications for protest rights and the application of national security laws in similar situations across the country.

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