‘Why shouldn’t Sonam Wangchuk be released?’ — Supreme Court questions Centre, issues notice on arrest

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Supreme Court today heard a petition challenging the arrest and release of renowned Ladakh climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA). Hearing the petition filed by Wangchuk's wife, Geetanjali Angmo, the apex court took a tough stand and issued notices to the central government, the Ladakh administration, and the Jodhpur jail superintendent, seeking their responses. The court asked why Sonam Wangchuk should not be released.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appeared on behalf of Wangchuk's wife before a bench of Justices Arvind Kumar and NV Anjaria. He argued that Sonam Wangchuk was arrested on September 26, but to this day the family has not been informed on what grounds he was arrested. Sibal said, "This arrest is not a matter of national security, but an attempt to silence an activist. My client (Wangchuk) was protesting in a Gandhian manner, which is his constitutional right. This is a violation of the freedom of expression guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution."

To this, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the central government, said, "The person detained (Wangchuk) has been informed of the reasons for his arrest. We will ensure that a detailed copy of these reasons is also provided to his wife."

It is noteworthy that Sonam Wangchuk is accused of making statements inciting violence and is being held in Jodhpur Central Jail under the NSA. In the petition, Geetanjali has demanded that her husband be allowed to speak to her on the telephone and visit her. She also demanded that proper medicine, food, and clothing be ensured in the jail.