NEW DELHI, February 3, 2026 : The Centre and the Union Territory administration of Ladakh on Tuesday informed the Supreme Court that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained for allegedly instigating people in a strategically sensitive border region adjoining Pakistan and China.
Justifying the detention under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told a bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and P. B. Varale that all mandatory procedural safeguards were strictly followed before placing Wangchuk under preventive detention.
“This court is dealing with a person who is instigating people in a border area where regional sensitivity is involved,” Mehta submitted, asserting that the detention was lawful and necessary in the interest of national security.
The Centre further alleged that Wangchuk attempted to mobilise youth, particularly Gen Z, drawing parallels with protest movements witnessed in Nepal and Bangladesh. It was also claimed that references were made to Arab Spring–style agitations, which had led to the overthrow of governments in several countries.
The apex court was hearing a petition filed by Gitanjali J. Angmo, wife of the detained activist, challenging the legality of his detention and terming it arbitrary and violative of fundamental rights. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioner, argued that the police relied on “borrowed material” and selectively edited videos to mislead the detaining authority.
Wangchuk, currently lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail, has denied all allegations. In a statement issued on January 29, he rejected claims of calling for an overthrow of the government, asserting his democratic right to peaceful criticism and protest. He also categorically condemned the violence that erupted in Leh on September 24 last year, describing it as the “saddest day” of his life.
Wangchuk was detained on September 26, two days after violent protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh left four people dead and over 90 injured. The government has accused him of inciting the unrest, an allegation strongly denied by his family.
The plea contends that it is “preposterous” to target Wangchuk after more than three decades of nationally and internationally recognised work in education, innovation and environmental conservation. It also maintains that the violence in Leh cannot be attributed to his actions or statements in any manner.
Arguments in the matter remained inconclusive and will continue on Wednesday.
