Centre opposes Sonam Wangchuk's request to appear before SC virtually

A request was made before the Supreme Court today on behalf of Ladakh-based education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is reportedly lodged in Jodhpur jail under the National Security Act (NSA) following violent clashes in Ladakh, to allow him virtual appearance before Supreme Court.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal told the top court that Wangchuk wished to be connected via video from jail.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, opposing the request told court that same treatment would be asked for by all détenues.

Earlier, court had allowed an application seeking to place on record additional facts and grounds in the habeas corpus petition filed by Gitanjali Angmo, wife of Sonam Wangchuk,

Previously on October 15, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had defended the Centre asserting that Sonam Wangchuk’s detention under the NSA followed due process and his legal rights were not violated.

The Leh District Magistrate in an affidavit has told the Apex Court that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s detention under the National Security Act on September 26 was lawful, citing his alleged role in inciting violence in Ladakh. The DM has confirmed Wangchuk was informed of his detention, the grounds were communicated, and the order forwarded to the Advisory Board.

Furthermore, the Jodhpur Central Jail in a separate affidavit had told the Supreme Court that Wangchuk, detained under the National Security Act on September 26, is medically fit, housed in a standard barrack (not solitary), and granted full visitation rights under police supervision. The jail affirmed he receives a normal diet and that all measures are taken to ensure his statutory rights are protected.

Notably, in a fresh affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, Gitanjali J. Angmo has alleged that she is being followed and placed under surveillance by Intelligence Bureau officials and the Rajasthan Police both in Jodhpur and Delhi, calling it a violation of her fundamental rights under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution. Angmo stated that she was escorted from the airport by IB and police officers who insisted she travel with them in a vehicle with white curtains drawn to block the view. According to the affidavit, the officers remained with her throughout the visit, including inside the office of the Jail Superintendent, and did not allow her to move freely in Jodhpur.

The present petition challenges Wangchuk’s continued detention as “illegal and politically motivated”, alleging that the invocation of the NSA is an attempt to stifle peaceful protest and dissent. Wangchuk, known for his environmental activism in Ladakh, was detained following a series of demonstrations demanding constitutional safeguards for the Union Territory. On October 6, the Court has issued notice in the plea.

According to the petition, Wangchuk, an internationally acclaimed innovator and social reformer, was detained on September 26, 2025, by the Deputy Commissioner, Leh, while he was recovering from a prolonged fast undertaken to demand constitutional safeguards for Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule. He was subsequently shifted to Central Jail, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, without being furnished the grounds of detention.

Case Title: Dr. Gitanjali J. Angmo vs. Union of India & Ors.

Hearing Date: December 8, 2025

Bench: Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria