Supreme Court raises concern over Sonam Wangchuk’s health.
Supreme Court Flags Sonam Wangchuk’s Health, Urges Review of Detention
The Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed concern over the deteriorating health of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and asked the Central government whether it could reconsider his continued detention under the National Security Act (NSA).
Supreme Court Raises Health Concerns of Sonam Wangchuk
A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and P B Varale observed that medical reports before it indicated Wangchuk’s health was “not very good” and noted possible age-related ailments. The court orally asked Additional Solicitor General K M Nataraj to seek instructions on whether the government might rethink or re-evaluate the detention order, which was originally issued in September 2025 and has kept Wangchuk in custody for nearly five months.
The hearing was part of a habeas corpus petition filed by his wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, challenging the legality of his detention.
Government’s Position and Next Steps
The government has defended the detention, saying it was imposed to prevent activities “prejudicial to the defence of India” after protests in Ladakh turned violent last year. Senior law officers argued that procedural safeguards under the NSA were followed.
Arguments in the matter remained inconclusive and are set to continue on Thursday, with the Centre considering whether to review Wangchuk’s continued detention in light of the court’s concerns about his health and prolonged custody.
