SC Allows Sonam Wangchuk’s Wife to Amend Plea Challenging Activist’s Detention

New Delhi — The Supreme Court on Wednesday permitted Gitanjali J. Angmo, wife of Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, to amend her writ petition challenging her husband’s detention under the National Security Act (NSA).

A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria noted senior advocate Kapil Sibal’s submission that the petition required amendments since the Central government had provided the grounds of Wangchuk’s detention to the detainee. “I’ll amend the petition so that the matter can continue here,” Sibal said. The matter has been listed for further hearing on October 29.

Angmo’s writ petition had challenged Wangchuk’s detention, arguing that authorities had failed to provide the grounds of detention as required under Section 8 of the NSA. However, the Leh administration, in an affidavit filed through District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk, stated that Wangchuk and his family were promptly informed of his detention and transfer to Jodhpur Central Jail. The grounds of detention were communicated to Wangchuk on September 29, within the mandatory five-day period, and he acknowledged receipt with his signature.

During the hearing, Sibal raised concerns that Wangchuk was not allowed to share certain notes he had prepared regarding his detention with his wife. “He has made certain notes on the detention which he wanted to pass to the lawyer for his wife. Whatever notes he prepares, he is entitled to the assistance of the lawyer,” Sibal said.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Union government, clarified that the authorities had no objection to the notes being shared with Wangchuk’s wife, while cautioning that such permission should not be used to create new grounds for challenge.

The Supreme Court, however, refrained from expressing any opinion on the issue of sharing notes at this stage and directed the matter to be relisted on October 29.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs had held Wangchuk responsible for allegedly inciting violence in Leh town. Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike since September 10, broke his fast and left the scene when violence erupted, after which he was detained under the NSA and shifted to Jodhpur jail.

Wangchuk is widely respected for his contributions to education, environmental conservation, and social development. He has received national and international recognition for creating low-cost schooling models, promoting environmental awareness, and encouraging scientific innovation among students in Ladakh.

 

With inputs from IANS

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