Supreme Court Postpones Hearing on Sonam Wangchuk's Detention Until Jan 7
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The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing on a plea filed by Gitanjali J Angmo, wife of jailed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, until January 7, 2026. The plea challenges Wangchuk's detention under the National Security Act on September 26, which the government claims was in response to violent protests in Ladakh that left four people dead and 90 injured. Wangchuk was accused of inciting the violence, but Angmo argues that the detention order is based on 'stale FIRs, vague imputations, and speculative assertions.' She claims that her husband's detention is an 'arbitrary exercise' that violates his fundamental rights and is a 'gross abuse of authority.' The plea highlights Wangchuk's contributions to education, innovation, and environmental conservation in Ladakh and across India, which span over three decades. Angmo also points out that Wangchuk condemned the violence on social media and emphasized the importance of peaceful pursuit. The National Security Act empowers the Centre and states to detain individuals to prevent them from acting against national security. The maximum detention period is 12 months, although it can be revoked earlier. This is the second time the Supreme Court has deferred the hearing on the plea, with the first adjournment taking place on November 24. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had sought time to respond to Angmo's rejoinder, and the court is expected to take up the matter on January 7.
