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The Centre told the Supreme Court it can’t release Sonam Wangchuk, detained under NSA after Leh protests, citing ongoing grounds and his good health.
Sonam Wangchuk was detained on September 26 last year, two days after violent protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh left four people dead and over 150 injured in the Union Territory.
(File pic/PTI)
The central government on Wednesday informed the Supreme Court that it cannot release Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was detained by authorities under the National Security Act (NSA) in connection with the violent protests in Leh last year.
Wangchuk was detained on September 26 last year, two days after violent protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh left four people dead and over 150 injured in the Union Territory.
On Monday, the SC had urged the Centre to reconsider Wangchuk’s detention following his deteriorating health condition.
This was in response to a plea filed by Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali J Angmo challenging her husband’s detention in the apex court.
Also Read: ‘Getting Better Medical Care Than Ladakh’: Centre To SC During Sonam Wangchuk’s Detention Hearing
In reply, the Solicitor General of India (SGI) Tushar Mehta on Wednesday made the submission before a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and PB Varale.
“He has been examined periodically some 24 times as per the jail manual. He is fit and hearty. He had a digestive issue, an infection. If we start making such exceptions (to release him), it will not lead to a positive outcome,” he said.
He further said: “The grounds on which the detention order was passed continue. It will not be possible to release him on health grounds. It may not be desirable, either. Since it has fallen from your lordships, we have given utmost consideration.”
On Monday, the Centre told the top court that Wangchuk’s health is in “perfectly good” condition and he is receiving treatment at AIIMS Jaipur.
As per a report by Live Law, the Centre told the SC that Wangchuk is receiving better medical care in Rajasthan than Ladakh. Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj said, “So far, as the health issue is concerned, rather than being in Ladakh, Jaipur is the best place…There is AIIMS in Rajasthan, whereas in Ladakh, there would have been nothing.”
February 11, 2026, 17:27 IST
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