Sonam Wangchuk Detention: SC issues notice to center; next hearing on Oct 14

October 6, 2025

New Delhi The Supreme Court issued notice to the Centre, Union Territory of Ladakh, Superintendent of Police Jodhpur Central jail on a plea of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, against his detention under the National Security Act (NSA) and seeking his release.

The petition challenged the arrest of Ladakh-based climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk. The petition, filed by his wife Geetanjali Angmo on October 2, seeks his immediate release, arguing that the arrest is politically motivated and violates his fundamental rights.

Supreme Court posted the matter for hearing on October 14. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, said the grounds of detention have not been supplied to the family. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta replied that the grounds of detention have already been served to the detainee, and he will examine serving a copy of the grounds to his wife.

Wangchuk imprisoned in Jodhpur

Wangchuk has been imprisoned in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, following his arrest on September 24, in the aftermath of violent protests in Leh, Ladakh. The case will be heard by a bench comprising Justice Arvind Kumar and Justice N.V. Anjaria.

The Ladakh administration, however, has strongly defended its actions, issuing an official statement earlier this week that dismissed allegations of victimisation. The administration termed the claims “baseless,” insisting that the arrest and related actions were taken based on credible inputs, documents, and legal grounds. “There is no question of witch-hunting or smoke screen,” the administration said, urging that the legal process be allowed to proceed impartially.

The statement also detailed ongoing investigations into alleged financial irregularities and foreign currency violations involving the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), the education institute founded by Wangchuk.

Authorities claim that HIAL has been issuing degrees without official recognition, thereby jeopardising students’ futures, and has allegedly failed to disclose foreign funding in its financial statements. In addition, the FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) registration of SECMOL, another organisation associated with Wangchuk, has reportedly been cancelled due to multiple violations.

Regarding Sonam Wangchuk’s recent hunger strike and public statements, the administration accused him of making provocative remarks, including references to Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, and allegedly inciting youth against peaceful methods. It also cited a June 2025 video on his YouTube channel where Wangchuk reportedly spoke of an “Arab Spring”-style revolution and suggested self-immolation as a form of protest.