THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Oct 6: The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre, the Union Territory of Ladakh, and the Superintendent of Police of Jodhpur Central Jail to respond to a petition filed by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, challenging his detention under the National Security Act (NSA). The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 14.
Angmo, represented by senior advocate Kapil Sibal, argued that the detention was unconstitutional since the family had not been provided with the grounds for Wangchuk’s arrest. Sibal told the bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria that without access to the grounds of detention, it was impossible to legally challenge the order. He urged the court to direct the authorities to supply the documents to Wangchuk’s wife.
Responding to the plea, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the government, maintained that the grounds of detention had already been given to Wangchuk himself and that there was no legal requirement to furnish them to his spouse. However, Mehta said he would “examine the feasibility” of sharing a copy with Angmo.
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Sibal also requested interim relief for Wangchuk’s medical care, stating that his health needed attention. Mehta countered that Wangchuk had undergone a medical examination and stated he was not taking any medication, but assured the court that any required medical assistance would be provided.
On the issue of family meetings, Sibal urged the court to allow Angmo to visit her husband. Mehta replied that her request was already under consideration. He further claimed that Angmo was “trying to create hype and an emotive issue” by portraying Wangchuk as being denied medical treatment and family access, saying it was an attempt to influence public sentiment in the region.
Senior advocate Vivek Tankha also appeared for Angmo, who was present in court during the proceedings.
Wangchuk was arrested on September 26 for allegedly provoking violence during the agitation in Leh demanding statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Following the unrest, in which four people were killed and over 80 injured, he was detained under the NSA and transferred to Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan.
