NEW DELHI: In a significant legal face-off, the Union Government has informed the Supreme Court of India that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is in "stable health" and remains "fit, hale and hearty" while in preventive detention. The submission came during a hearing on a habeas corpus petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Dr. Gitanjali J. Angmo, challenging his months-long confinement.
The Health Controversy
The activist, who led the 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra' from Leh to demand Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, has been in custody since late September 2025. While his legal team raised alarms over potential risks to his well-being due to age-related factors and recurring stomach ailments, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta countered these claims. Mehta stated that Wangchuk has undergone 28 medical examinations as per the Jail Manual, asserting there is "nothing alarming" about his condition.
Supreme Court’s Intervention
Despite the government’s assurances, a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and P.B. Varale urged the Centre to "rethink" the continued detention. The court noted that Wangchuk has been held for nearly five months—currently in Jodhpur Central Jail, Rajasthan—and emphasized that preventive detention should not compromise a detainee's health or legal rights.
Political and Legal Stakes
Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) after protests for Ladakh’s statehood allegedly turned violent. The government has claimed his rhetoric could incite youth movements similar to those seen in neighboring South Asian nations. However, his supporters maintain that the detention is a tool to suppress peaceful advocacy for Ladakh's fragile ecology and constitutional safeguards.
The case is set for further deliberation as the court reviews whether the detention order suffers from legal deficiencies.
