New Delhi, February 4, 2026 : The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre to consider reviewing the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, citing concerns over his health condition.
A Bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and P.B. Varale observed that Wangchuk’s medical report indicated his health was not in good condition and urged the government to relook at the detention order, which has been in force since September 26, 2025.
“Apart from submissions and counter submissions, just give a thought to it as an officer of the Court. Considering the health condition of the detainee… is there a possibility for the government to rethink or relook?” the Bench observed orally, asking Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj to seek instructions from the Centre. Nataraj said he would place the suggestion before the competent authorities.
During the hearing, the ASG submitted that Wangchuk was responsible for instigating violence in Leh last year, in which four people were killed and 161 injured. He argued that even without direct participation, a person’s capacity to influence and provoke was sufficient grounds for detention. He also stated that the detention order was approved on October 3, 2025, and that the approval itself has not been challenged.
The arguments remained inconclusive and the matter is scheduled to continue on Thursday.
Earlier, the Centre and the Ladakh administration told the court that Wangchuk was detained for instigating people in a sensitive border region. The government has maintained that all procedural safeguards were followed while invoking the National Security Act (NSA). The Centre also alleged that Wangchuk attempted to mobilise Gen Z protests, drawing parallels with movements in Nepal, Bangladesh and the Arab Spring.
The apex court is hearing a plea filed by Gitanjali J. Angmo, Wangchuk’s wife, challenging his detention under the NSA. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Angmo, argued that the police relied on selective and borrowed material to mislead the detaining authority, terming the detention illegal and arbitrary, in violation of fundamental rights.
Wangchuk, currently lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail, has denied allegations of instigating violence or calling for overthrow of the government, asserting his democratic right to peaceful protest and criticism. He was detained two days after violent protests in Leh on September 24, 2025, over demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh.
Angmo has maintained that the violence cannot be attributed to Wangchuk, noting that he had publicly condemned the unrest and described it as the “saddest day” of his life.
