Supreme Court Delays Sonam Wangchuk Detention Hearing Amid Petition Amendment Request

The Supreme Court has adjourned a plea filed against the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA). Originally set for hearing, the case has been pushed to October 29. During proceedings, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Wangchuk's wife Gitanjali Angmo, requested a petition amendment.

The bench, comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria, permitted the amendment. Angmo seeks to challenge the grounds of detention provided by the government. The habeas corpus plea was filed after authorities allegedly failed to supply detention grounds, questioning the basis for Wangchuk's detention.

Sibal highlighted that Wangchuk was denied the opportunity to share notes necessary for his legal defense. While Solicitor General Tushar Mehta raised no objection to notes being shared, he argued that procedural delays should not undermine the detention's legitimacy. The activist, a proponent of Ladakh's ecological welfare, remains imprisoned amid allegations of inciting violence—a claim he staunchly denies as politically motivated against his peaceful advocacy.