New Delhi, February 1, 2026 :The Supreme Court is set to hear on Monday a plea filed by Gitanjali J Angmo, wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, challenging his detention under the National Security Act (NSA).
A bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice P.B. Varale is likely to take up the matter. Wangchuk is currently lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail.
Appearing for Angmo, senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued that the detention is illegal and arbitrary, alleging that authorities relied on a selective video to mislead the detaining authority. The plea contends that the order is based on stale FIRs, vague allegations and speculative claims, lacking any live nexus to justify preventive detention.
Wangchuk, detained on September 26, has denied allegations of inciting violence or attempting to overthrow the government, asserting his democratic right to dissent and protest peacefully. He had also condemned the violence that erupted during protests in Ladakh on September 24, which left four dead and over 90 injured.
The Supreme Court had earlier sought responses from the Centre and Ladakh administration, and also directed a medical examination of Wangchuk after he complained of stomach issues due to alleged water contamination.
The plea maintains that attributing the Leh violence to Wangchuk is baseless, noting his decades-long contributions to education, innovation and environmental conservation at national and international levels.
Under the NSA, individuals can be detained for up to 12 months, subject to review.
