The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the Union government, the Ladakh administration, and Jodhpur Central Jail on a plea filed by Gitanjali Angmo, wife of noted education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, challenging his detention under the National Security Act (NSA). A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria directed the authorities to submit their replies by October 14, when the matter will be taken up for detailed hearing. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Angmo, argued that despite repeated requests, the family had not been provided with the grounds of detention — a violation of established legal procedure that prevented them from filing a representation against the order.

Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta contended that all procedures under the NSA were duly followed and that there had been “no violation” of Wangchuk’s rights. He cautioned against “creating unnecessary hype,” stating that the law only required the grounds to be served on the detainee, not on family members. The court, while refraining from issuing interim directions, observed that Section 8 of the NSA mandates communication of the detention grounds to the person detained and not necessarily to relatives. The bench questioned both sides and noted that it would take a final view after receiving responses from the concerned authorities. The court also recorded Mehta’s assurance that Wangchuk would continue to receive proper medical care as per existing prison rules.

Sonam Wangchuk, a Ramon Magsaysay awardee known for his pioneering work in sustainable education and climate action, was detained on September 26 following protests in Leh that turned violent, leading to the deaths of four civilians. Authorities alleged that Wangchuk’s speeches, which referenced self-immolation as a form of protest, could incite unrest and posed a threat to public order. Angmo’s petition has described the detention as “illegal” and an attempt to suppress a peaceful, Gandhian movement for Ladakh’s environmental protection. From Jodhpur jail, Wangchuk has written a letter urging his supporters to remain committed to non-violence, vowing to continue his hunger strike until an impartial inquiry is launched into the Leh incident.