SC issues notice to Centre, Ladakh UT over Wangchuk’s detention

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the Centre and the Union Territory of Ladakh regarding the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA).The court was hearing a plea filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, challenging his detention and seeking his immediate release. However, the court refused to order authorities to provide the grounds of detention to Angmo at this stage.
Wangchuk was detained on September 26 in Leh under the stringent NSA, just two days after violent protests in the Union Territory left four people dead and dozens injured. The protests had erupted over demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh.Authorities have alleged that Wangchuk played a role in inciting the unrest during the demonstrations.The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and the Ladakh administration and will hear the matter further in the coming days. Wangchuk remains in custody as legal proceedings continue.