SC asks Centre to consider sharing detention grounds with activist's wife

The Supreme Court on Monday sought responses from the Centre and the Union Territory of Ladakh regarding a writ petition challenging the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA).

- 

The petition, filed by Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, requested his immediate release and sought access to the grounds of his preventive detention.

During the proceedings, a bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria orally asked the Union government to consider sharing the grounds of Wangchuk's detention with his wife. However, the bench did not pass any immediate order on the plea and posted the matter for further hearing on October 14. "Something has been done for now," the bench remarked.

Wangchuk, renowned for his work as an innovator and environmentalist, was detained under the NSA on September 26, two days after violent protests in Ladakh demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status left four people dead and 90 injured. Authorities accused him of inciting the unrest.

The NSA permits detention without trial for up to 12 months to prevent actions considered "prejudicial to the defence of India", though it can be revoked earlier.

Wangchuk is currently lodged in Jodhpur Jail, Rajasthan.