In SC, Ladakh admin defends use of NSA against Wangchuk

The Ladakh administration on Tuesday justified its decision to detain activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA), telling the Supreme Court that the order was issued only after the district magistrate (DM) was “satisfied” that Wangchuk was “indulging in activities prejudicial to the security of the state, maintenance of public order and services essential to the community”.

- Utkarsh Anand

Sonam Wangchuk

In an affidavit filed on Tuesday morning, Leh DM said the September 26 detention order was “lawfully issued under lawful authority” after assessing all relevant material. The affidavit denied allegations of any illegality or mistreatment, stressing that “all procedural safeguards under Article 22 of the Constitution and NSA have been faithfully and strictly adhered to”.