Supreme Court Questions Centre Over Climate Activist's Detention
The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday raised significant concerns regarding the detention of renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, directly questioning the Centre about the possibility of rethinking or relooking at his incarceration. The court specifically highlighted that "his medical condition is not that good", adding a humanitarian dimension to the legal proceedings.
Court Directs Government to Present Original Detention Files
In a significant development, the apex court directed the authorities to place before it the original file related to Wangchuk's detention under the National Security Act (NSA). The bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and P B Varale also asked the Centre to brief the court on the government's official stand by the next hearing date, scheduled for a later session.
Government's Justification for Detention
The court's observations came just one day after both the Centre and the Union Territory administration of Ladakh presented their arguments defending Wangchuk's detention. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, told the bench that the activist was detained for allegedly instigating people in a sensitive border area adjacent to Pakistan and China.
"This court is dealing with a person who is instigating people in a border area, adjacent to Pakistan and China, where regional sensitivity is involved," Mehta argued before the justices. He emphasized that all procedural safeguards had been followed while invoking the NSA and that all provisions had been "scrupulously complied with."
Background of the Case and Legal Challenge
The Supreme Court was hearing a plea filed by Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, who has challenged his detention as illegal, arbitrary, and violative of his fundamental rights. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Angmo, argued that the police had relied on "borrowed material" and selective videos to mislead the detaining authority.
The plea further contends that targeting Wangchuk after more than three decades of recognized work at state, national, and international levels is wholly "preposterous." Wangchuk has received widespread recognition for his contributions to grassroots education, innovation, and environmental conservation in Ladakh and across India.
Context of Detention and Allegations
Sonam Wangchuk, currently lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail, was detained on September 26 last year. This occurred just two days after violent protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh left four people dead and 90 injured. The government has accused him of inciting this violence, a charge that Angmo has vehemently denied.
According to Angmo, Wangchuk had himself condemned the violence and warned that such incidents would lead to the failure of Ladakh's peaceful movement. Earlier arguments from the Centre had claimed that Wangchuk attempted to instigate Gen Z and referenced protests in Nepal and Bangladesh, including mentions of "Arab Spring-like agitations."
Proceedings Remain Inconclusive
The arguments presented before the Supreme Court remained inconclusive and will continue on the next scheduled hearing date. The case continues to draw significant attention as it balances national security concerns with individual rights and the health considerations of a prominent environmental activist.
