"At This Stage, We Are Not Expressing Any Opinion": Supreme Court In Habeas Corpus Plea Of Sonam Wangchuk's Wife Challenging His Detention Under NSA

Today, the Supreme Court, while hearing the Habeas Corpus Plea filed by wife of Sonam Wangchuk for his immediate release, was apprised that Wangchuk wishes to share his notes (grounds of challenge) on his detention with his wife. 

Earlier, the Supreme Court issued notice in the Habeas Corpus Plea filed by Gitanjali J. Angmo, wife of Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk, challenging his detention under National Security Act.

The Bench of Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice NV Anjaria heard the matter and said, "At this stage, we are not expressing any opinion in this regard. We are keeping it open."

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Wangchuk's wife, informed that he has made certain notes regarding the detention and he wishes to give to his lawyers.

Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, opposed the same and said, "This might become a ground for challenge latter."

Mehta referred to the Affidavit on behalf of Jailor and underscored that Wangchuk has already met his lawyers.

"What happens is, I am the detenu, I have a right to make a representation on 10th and the Lordships are granting permission to share the notes with wife on 15th, he may say that because was being granted unless the Court intervened, there was a delay of 5 days.", said Mehta.

Crucially, Mehta submitted that they have no objection with Wangchuk sharing notes with wife but expressed his concerns regarding the fact that grounds of challenge were being created by the Petitioner.

Thereafter, Sibal further proposed to amend the petition and requested for adjourn the matter.

The Bench allowed Wangchuk to share his notes on grounds of challenge with his wife.

"At this stage, we are not expressing any opinion in this regard. We are keeping it open", said the Supreme Court.

Accordingly, the matter was adjourned till October 29.

Background

Gitanjali Angmo, wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, has moved the Supreme Court seeking his immediate release in Ladakh violence case. Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act, 1980 (NSA) on September 26, this year. He was detained two days after protests demanding Statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, which left four people dead and 90 injured in the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh.

He is currently lodged in Jodhpur jail of Rajasthan. His wife, in her plea filed through Advocate Sarvam Ritam Khare, has challenged Wangchuk's detention, besides seeking his immediate release. The plea also questions the decision to invoke the NSA against Wangchuk. Angmo alleged that she was yet to get a copy of the detention order, which is in violation of Rules. Furthermore, Angmo stated that she has had no contact so far with her husband Wangchuk. Notably, the Ladakh administration had earlier rejected claims of a "witch-hunt" or a "smokescreen" operation against Wangchuk.

Cause Title: Gitanjali J. Angmo V. Union Of India (W.P.(Crl.) No. 399/2025X)