Ladakh violence: SC allows climate activist Wangchuk to join his wife in challenging NSA detention

The Supreme Court on Monday (November 24, 2025) allowed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to join his wife, Dr. Gitanjali J. Angmo, in challenging his detention under the National Security Act (NSA).

Appearing before a Bench headed by Justice Aravind Kumar, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, for the government, sought time to respond to a rejoinder filed by Dr. Angmo, represented by advocate Sarvam Ritam Khare. 

Mr. Khare said that since Mr. Wangchuk was himself the detainee, he should have a chance in court. The Bench agreed and adjourned the case to December 8, 2025.

The court was earlier scheduled to hear a separate application filed by Dr. Angmo alleging that the Home Ministry was unhappy with Mr. Wangchuk’s participation in efforts to address the government on issues of statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards for Ladakh.

She had argued that the detention of her husband was motivated by “malicious intent” while pointing out that state action against him began shortly before the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council- Leh elections.

Mr. Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980, following violent protests on September 24 in Leh. He was detained on September 26 and shifted to the Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan.

“The brazen allegation that Mr. Sonam Wangchuk has acted as chief provocateur in the violent protest that took place on September 24, 2025 is false, malicious and fabricated and entirely contrary to the material on record… On the contrary, Mr. Sonam Wangchuk has made significant contributions in support of national security and the armed forces,” Dr. Angmo had argued.