Supreme Court Delays Hearing on Climate Activist's Detention Challenge
Supreme Court Postpones Hearing on Detention Case
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court postponed the hearing regarding a petition filed by Geetanjali J. Angmo, the wife of imprisoned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, until January 29. The petition challenges her husband's detention under the National Security Act (NSA).
A bench comprising Justice Arvind Kumar and Justice P.B. Varale stated, "The next hearing for the petition is scheduled for January 29, 2026." Geetanjali had informed the apex court on Monday that the authorities who detained her husband failed to exercise discretion and relied on irrelevant information.
She argued that the speech given by her husband in Leh was intended to promote peace rather than incite violence. Geetanjali claimed that the facts were being distorted to portray Wangchuk as a criminal.
Furthermore, she informed the Supreme Court that Wangchuk had not been provided with information regarding the "entire basis" of his detention, nor was he given a fair opportunity to present his case before the relevant authorities.
In her petition, Geetanjali asserted that Wangchuk's detention was illegal and arbitrary, violating his fundamental rights. He was taken into custody on September 26, 2025, two days after violent protests in Leh demanding statehood for Ladakh and inclusion of the region in the Sixth Schedule. These protests resulted in four fatalities and injuries to 90 others.
The government has accused Wangchuk of inciting violence. The District Magistrate of Leh informed the Supreme Court that Wangchuk was involved in activities detrimental to state security, public order, and the maintenance of essential services, which led to his detention under the NSA.
In a filed affidavit, the District Magistrate denied allegations that Wangchuk was unlawfully detained or mistreated while in custody. He stated that Wangchuk had been informed of the reasons for his detention. Geetanjali emphasized in her petition that Wangchuk's actions or statements could not be held responsible for the unfortunate events of violence that occurred in Leh on September 24 last year.