The Supreme Court on Tuesday heard the Centre and Ladakh administration justify the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act, citing security concerns in a sensitive border region, Sonam Wangchuk NSA detention.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and P B Varale that Wangchuk was detained for allegedly instigating people in an area close to Pakistan and China. He argued that regional sensitivity made the matter more serious than an ordinary protest case.
“This court is dealing with a person who is instigating people in a border area,” Mehta said, adding that authorities could not ignore potential risks in strategically important regions. The Centre maintained that all procedural safeguards were followed before ordering Sonam Wangchuk NSA detention under the stringent law.
Centre’s Defence In Court
Mehta claimed Wangchuk received fair treatment and that officials complied fully with the provisions of the NSA. The arguments remained inconclusive, and the Supreme Court will continue hearing the matter on Wednesday.
On Monday, the Centre also alleged that Wangchuk attempted to influence younger generations by encouraging protests similar to those seen recently in Nepal and Bangladesh. The government further pointed to remarks referencing Arab Spring-style agitation, which led to political upheaval in several countries.
Petition Filed By Wife
The case stems from a plea filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, challenging his detention. The Supreme Court is now examining whether the use of NSA in this situation was justified and lawful.
The National Security Act empowers the Centre and state governments to detain individuals to prevent actions considered prejudicial to the defence of India. The maximum detention period is 12 months, though authorities may revoke it earlier.
Wangchuk’s Response
Wangchuk, currently lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail, has denied allegations that he called for overthrowing the government. On January 29, he said he was only exercising his democratic right to criticise and protest, calling the charges against him unfair in the Sonam Wangchuk NSA detention matter.
—
FAQs
Q1: Why is the Supreme Court hearing the Sonam Wangchuk NSA detention case?
A: The court is reviewing whether his detention under the NSA was legally justified.
Q2: What did the Centre argue in the Sonam Wangchuk NSA detention matter?
A: The Centre said he instigated people in a sensitive border region near Pakistan and China.
Q3: What is the National Security Act?
A: NSA allows preventive detention to stop actions harmful to India’s defence and security.
Q4: Where is Sonam Wangchuk currently detained?
A: He is being held in Jodhpur Central Jail.
