Supreme Court Allows Sonam Wangchuk to Join Plea Challenging NSA Detention Amid Ladakh Protests

The Supreme Court on Monday permitted climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to join his wife, Dr. Gitanjali J. Angmo, in her petition challenging his detention under the National Security Act (NSA) of 1980, following violent protests in Ladakh, according to details received by The Chenab Times.

A bench headed by Justice Aravind Kumar heard the matter, where advocate Sarvam Ritam Khare, representing Dr. Angmo, argued that Wangchuk, as the detainee, should have the opportunity to appear in court. The bench agreed and adjourned the hearing to December 8, 2025.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the government, sought additional time to respond to a rejoinder filed by Dr. Angmo.

Wangchuk was detained on September 26 after protests turned violent in Leh on September 24. He was subsequently transferred to Central Jail in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Dr. Angmo’s petition alleges that the detention stemmed from the Home Ministry’s dissatisfaction with Wangchuk’s involvement in advocating for Ladakh’s statehood and safeguards under the Sixth Schedule. She claimed the action was motivated by “malicious intent” and timed just before the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council-Leh elections.

“The brazen allegation that Mr. Sonam Wangchuk has acted as chief provocateur in the violent protest that took place on September 24, 2025 is false, malicious and fabricated and entirely contrary to the material on record… On the contrary, Mr. Sonam Wangchuk has made significant contributions in support of national security and the armed forces,” Dr. Angmo argued in her earlier application.

The court had previously received an affidavit from the Leh District Magistrate defending the detention as compliant with procedural safeguards, citing Wangchuk’s activities as prejudicial to state security and public order.