Supreme Court to Hear Sonam Wangchuk’s Wife’s Plea Against His NSA Detention on November 24
The Supreme Court on Wednesday decided to hear on November 24 a petition by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, challenging his detention under the National Security Act and demanding his release.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) October 30: In a plea amended today, Angmo told the top court that her husband had been illegally detained in national security under a lawsuit. In September, Wangchuk, a leading climate activist and influential role model in Ladakh, was arrested under the National Security Act after protests escalated in Leh over a call for Sixth Schedule status in Ladakh.
Centre Asked to Respond; Hearing Set Before Justices Kumar and Anjaria
Angmo had previously challenged Wanga’s arrest. A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria allowed her request to expand his plea and asked the Union of India to respond on other issues raised by her.
The bench said, "Leave of this court sought to amend the petition to place on record additional facts, documents and grounds. Petitioner permitted to amend the petition and file the amended copy within a week and amended counter to be filed within 10 days thereafter. Rejoinder if any within a week thereafter. List on November 24."
Angmo Alleges Arrest Unrelated to National Security
In the plea Angmo filed was alleging that Wanga’s claim had nothing to do with national security or public order. Instead, the arrest was aimed at a resident of a well-known and respected order allowed to criticize decisions in the main stage of democracy and, when reminders failed, on ecological issues.
The complaint alleges that three of the five cases filed do not even mention the allegations. The fourth case is not related to violence. The fifth was followed by the September 24 violence in Leh.
Wangchuk’s wife, while denying the charges that her husband incited the public as a crucial member of the ABL, further exposed that the MHA had strong reservations in allowing him to be a part of the dialogue with the Centre. Moreover, Angmo revealed that Wangchuk responded promptly to the violence and did his best to limit the extent of the damage caused.
Wangchuk’s Record of Environmental Advocacy Highlighted
Furthermore, Angmo has asserted that Wangchuk has consistently sided with the Ladakh people and the citizens of the Himalayan territory in protecting the region’s fragile ecology. Thus, she argued that he had not engaged in activity against the Government relating to the territorial activity facilitated for his retirement from the Union. Angmo showcased Wangchuk’s support for the Armed Forces in the region.
Moreover, Angmo argued that even when he went to Pakistan to participate in a conference, he only praised the environmental policies adopted by their present PM Narendra Modi.
Plea Challenges the Speeches
The plea contends that certain “IT Cells” have mischievously cropped speeches or taken out of the context quotes to target him.
Furthermore, Angmo had approached the HC about Wangchuk’s transfer to the Central Jail in Jodhpur over one thousand kilometres away from Ladakh. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal represented Angmo. Meanwhile, the amendments in the plea have been filed through Advocate Sarvam Ritam Khare. The Union government is represented by the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
