The Supreme Court adjourned to January 8 the hearing of the petition filed by Gitanjali J Angmo, wife of jailed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, against her detention under the National Security Act (NSA). A bench of Justice Arvind Kumar and Justice PB Varale adjourned the hearing of the case on Wednesday. Justice Arvind Kumar said that the bench will hear this on Thursday.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appeared on behalf of Wangchuk. This case was earlier heard by the bench of Justice Arvind Kumar and Justice NV Anjari. The petition claims that Wangchuk’s detention is illegal and arbitrary, which violates his fundamental rights.
On November 24, the Supreme Court had adjourned the hearing of the case after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Center and the Union Territory of Ladakh, requested time to respond to Angmo’s plea. On October 29, the court sought response from the Center and Ladakh administration on the amended petition of Angmo.
Wangchuk was detained under Rasuka on September 26, two days after violent protests demanding statehood for Ladakh and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule. In these demonstrations, four people were killed and 90 people were injured in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The government had accused Wangchuk of inciting violence.
According to the amended petition, the detention order is based on ‘old FIR, vague allegations and speculative claims’ and has no direct or indirect connection with the alleged grounds of detention. The petition alleged that such arbitrary use of powers is a gross abuse of power, which attacks the fundamental principles of constitutional freedom and due process, hence the court should cancel this detention order.
The petition said it is completely ridiculous that after more than three decades of recognition at the state, national and international levels for Wangchuk’s contribution to grassroots education, innovation and environmental protection in Ladakh and across India, he would suddenly be targeted. Angmo said that Wangchuk’s actions or statements cannot be held responsible in any way for the unfortunate incidents of violence that took place in Leh on September 24.
Angmo reported that Wangchuk condemned the violence through his social media handles and clearly said that the violence would lead to the ‘penance’ of Ladakh and the failure of peaceful efforts for five years, and that it was the saddest day of his life.
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