Leh DM defends Sonam Wangchuck’s detention before Supreme Court; refutes allegations of procedural lapses
The Ladakh administration informed the Supreme Court that climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuck’s preventive detention under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act (PSA) was lawful, necessary, and based on credible material indicating his involvement in “activities prejudicial to national security.”
In an affidavit filed by the Leh District Magistrate (DM), the Union territory defended the order and rejected allegations of illegal detention or procedural lapses.
The affidavit, filed in response to a petition challenging Wangchuck’s detention, stated that the activist has “not yet made any representation to the detaining authority against his detention order.” It further asserted that the detention was carried out in accordance with all procedural safeguards under law, including the immediate intimation to his wife about his arrest and subsequent transfer to Jodhpur Jail.
“It is denied that the detention of the detenue is illegal in any manner. The order was passed after considering all material placed before me, and after being satisfied that his activities were prejudicial to the maintenance of public order and security of the Union territory,” the Leh DM stated.
Engaged in activities prejudicial to national security
The affidavit accused Wangchuck of indulging in activities that, according to intelligence reports, could disturb peace and stability in the sensitive border region of Ladakh. It claims that his recent public events, protests, and social media statements had the potential to “incite unrest” and “create disaffection” against the administration.
“The detenue has been found indulging in activities prejudicial to national security and public order in the Union territory of Ladakh. The material collected by intelligence agencies and law enforcement officers clearly establishes the need for preventive detention to ensure public safety,” the affidavit read.
Wife informed, no procedural lapses: DM
The affidavit strongly contested the allegations made by Wangchuk’s family and supporters that the authorities violated procedure or kept them in the dark about his whereabouts. It said the police followed the law in letter and spirit.
“The detenue’s wife was immediately informed about his arrest by Leh Police, and she was also timely informed about his transfer to Jodhpur Jail,” the DM’s affidavit stated, adding that there was no delay or suppression of information on the administration’s part.
It further added that the grounds of detention were duly served on Wangchuk, and he was informed of his right to make a representation to the government or the detaining authority, but he has not availed that right so far.
Sonam Wangchuk, a Ramon Magsaysay award-winning educationist and founder of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, was detained under the NSA, a stringent preventive detention law that allows authorities to hold an individual without trial for up to two years on grounds of national security.
His wife, who moved the Supreme Court challenging the detention, alleged that the administration acted arbitrarily and without sufficient cause. She claimed that Wangchuk’s peaceful activism for environmental conservation and local governance rights was being mischaracterised as a threat to national security.
The apex court is scheduled to hear the matter on Wednesday. The bench is expected to examine whether the detention order meets the constitutional standards of preventive detention under Article 22 of the Constitution, and whether Wangchuk’s fundamental rights to liberty and free speech were violated.
India