What Led to Sonam Wangchuk's Controversial Detention? A Deep Dive into the Legal Battle

Supreme Court Hearing on Sonam Wangchuk's Detention

New Delhi: The Supreme Court was informed by Gitanjali J Angmo, the wife of detained climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, that her husband's statements were misrepresented to depict him as a violent figure. She emphasized that his intent was to promote peace, not violence.

Angmo argued that Wangchuk had not been given the full reasons for his detention and was denied a fair chance to contest it.

The court's discussions on the case were inconclusive and are set to resume on January 12.

Wangchuk was taken into custody under the National Security Act (NSA) on September 26, 2025, following violent protests in Ladakh that resulted in casualties. The authorities accused him of inciting unrest.

The NSA allows for the detention of individuals deemed a threat to national security, with a maximum detention period of one year, although it can be lifted sooner.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Angmo, stated that Wangchuk's detention was a preventive measure against potential harmful activities.

During the hearing, Sibal presented a video of Wangchuk's speech made during his hunger strike, where he called for an end to violence, likening his appeal to Mahatma Gandhi's actions during historical unrest.

Sibal asserted that the content of Wangchuk's speech did not threaten state security but aimed to reduce violence.

He pointed out that crucial video evidence was withheld from the authorities, which he claimed was done to ensure the detention order was issued without full context.

Sibal highlighted that the reasons for Wangchuk's detention were only provided after a significant delay, violating constitutional protections against arbitrary detention.

He noted that the law requires detainees to be informed of the grounds for their detention promptly, and any failure to do so undermines their right to challenge the detention.

The Leh District Magistrate previously stated that Wangchuk's actions posed a threat to public order, justifying his detention under the NSA.

In an affidavit, the magistrate denied any claims of illegal detention or mistreatment, asserting that the grounds for Wangchuk's detention were communicated to him.

Angmo contended that the violence in Leh should not be attributed to Wangchuk's actions, as he had publicly condemned the unrest and stressed the importance of peaceful advocacy.