Supreme Court allows Sonam Wangchuk to challenge NSA detention alongside wife

Guwahati: The Supreme Court on Monday, November 24, 2025, permitted 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 led by Justice Aravind Kumar, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta requested additional time to respond to a rejoinder filed by Dr. Angmo, who was represented by advocate Sarvam Ritam Khare.

Advocate Khare argued that since Wangchuk is the detainee, he must have the opportunity to present his case in court. The bench concurred and scheduled the next hearing for December 8, 2025.

Dr. Angmo had earlier filed a separate application claiming the Home Ministry acted against Wangchuk due to his involvement in advocating for Ladakh statehood and the Sixth Schedule safeguards. She alleged that her husband’s detention was driven by “malicious intent,” noting that the state action began shortly before the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council–Leh elections.

Wangchuk was taken into custody under the NSA on September 26, 2025, following violent protests in Leh on September 24, and was subsequently transferred to Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan.

In her petition, Dr. Angmo described allegations portraying Wangchuk as the “chief provocateur” of the September 24 protests as “false, malicious, and fabricated,” emphasizing that he has contributed significantly to national security and supported the armed forces.