Eleven days after Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA), his wife Gitanjali Angmo was for the first time allowed to meet him in Jodhpur Central Jail. Along with his legal advisor, she was also handed the detention order detailing the charges against Wangchuk, which she vowed to challenge in court.
Arrested on September 26 amid violent protests in Ladakh demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status, Wangchuk remains in custody. The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for October 14 to examine the legality of his detention. Officials maintain that proper procedure was followed, but Wangchuk’s family disputes the grounds for the arrest and the delayed access to detention details, highlighting tensions in this politically sensitive case.
Charges and Detention Order: Wangchuk’s Stand
The detention order cites Wangchuk’s alleged role in inciting violent protests on September 24, which left four dead and many injured, along with accusations of links to Pakistan, claims firmly denied by Wangchuk and his supporters. His wife reported that despite incarceration, Wangchuk’s spirit remains undaunted, and his commitment to peaceful activism is resolute.
He expressed heartfelt thanks to supporters for their solidarity. The Supreme Court has issued directions to ensure adequate medical care and transparency regarding his detention. Angmo and the legal team are preparing to challenge the detention order, arguing that the arrest violates fundamental rights and was conducted without sharing grounds for detention in a timely manner.
Additional Legal Developments and Supreme Court Intervention
The Supreme Court of India is closely monitoring the case of Sonam Wangchuk, indicating judicial scrutiny in this high-profile matter. On October 6, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Central Government and Ladakh administration in response to a habeas corpus plea filed by Gitanjali Angmo, Wangchuk’s wife, seeking his immediate release and challenging his detention under the NSA.
The court has expressed concern over the non-disclosure of the grounds of detention to Wangchuk’s wife, despite the law mandating such notices must be furnished. Senior advocates representing Angmo have argued that without access to the detention order, they cannot mount an effective legal challenge.
My heartfelt thanks to @KapilSibal ji and @VTankha ji for their pro bono assistance to @Wangchuk66 and the people of Ladakh.
— Gitanjali J Angmo (@GitanjaliAngmo) October 5, 2025
Our legal team for tomorrow —#releaseSonamWangchuk #SaveLadakh #WeDemandJustice pic.twitter.com/W0TvVjm0zW
Context and Background
Sonam Wangchuk is a renowned environmentalist and education reformer in Ladakh, widely respected for his activism to protect the region’s ecology and cultural identity. Authorities accuse him of fomenting unrest, alleging that his speeches incited violence and contained foreign influences, allegations the family and civil rights advocates reject as politically motivated.
The Ladakh police assert the detention is a necessary security measure amidst ongoing investigations, but the delayed disclosure of reasons and restricted family access have raised concerns about due process violations and human rights. This case reflects broader strains between state security concerns and civil liberties in regions facing political and social upheaval.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian believes that while national security is important, it must never come at the cost of fundamental human rights and justice. Detaining a peaceful activist under a stringent law without full transparency challenges democratic principles.
We advocate for protecting peaceful dissent and ensuring that any legal action is subject to fair, open judicial scrutiny. Societal harmony relies on empathy, respectful dialogue, and coexistence in resolving political issues.
I am grateful to SC for issuing notice. Will be in Jodhpur to meet @Wangchuk66 and obtain grounds of detention to prepare for the hearing next Tuesday! I have faith in the constitution, judicial system and the people of India! pic.twitter.com/AaTCfrG0wz
— Gitanjali J Angmo (@GitanjaliAngmo) October 6, 2025
