The Central government and the Union Territory of Ladakh administration have assured the Supreme Court that all procedural safeguards were followed in the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA). The submission was made on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta before a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and P B Varale.
Mehta asserted that Wangchuk has been given fair treatment and that the provisions of the NSA have been scrupulously complied with. He argued that the court is dealing with a person who is instigating people in a border area adjacent to Pakistan and China, where regional sensitivity is involved. Mehta also pointed to the latitude provided to statutory authorities under the NSA.
The detention order was passed because Wangchuk was allegedly instigating people in a sensitive border area. The government has accused him of inciting violence. The Centre had stated on Monday that Wangchuk tried to instigate Gen Z to stage protests similar to those in Nepal and Bangladesh. Mehta highlighted Wangchuk's speech where he claimed Ladakhis do not have the right to choose their representatives. He quoted Wangchuk as saying, "It is unacceptable that Ladakhis cannot choose their own representatives. China, Tibet etc have autonomous rights". Mehta argued that these statements constitute a threat to the country and public order. He said that the detention is a preventive action to stop Wangchuk from repeating such statements, emphasizing that every state has region-specific sensitivities.
The court is hearing a plea filed by Gitanjali J Angmo, Wangchuk's wife, challenging his detention under the NSA. Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025, following protests in Leh related to demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. Angmo's counsel argued that Wangchuk has a democratic right to criticize and protest, and his sentiments do not threaten the state's security. They also said that the violence in Leh on September 24, 2025, cannot be attributed to Wangchuk's actions or statements.
Wangchuk, currently detained in Jodhpur Central Jail, has denied allegations that he made statements to overthrow the government like the Arab Spring. His legal representative, Kapil Sibal, argued that the police have used selective videos to mislead the detaining authority. Sibal also refuted allegations that Wangchuk made derogatory remarks against Hindu gods.
The NSA empowers the government to detain individuals to prevent them from acting in a manner prejudicial to the defense of India. The maximum detention period is 12 months, but it can be revoked earlier. The hearing is scheduled to continue on Wednesday.