Gitanjali Angmo Challenges NSA Custody of Sonam Wangchuck; SC Hearing Scheduled After Dussehra
(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
New Delhi, October 3: Gitanjali Angmo, wife of renowned innovator and Ramon Magsaysay awardee Sonam Wangchuck, has approached the Supreme Court of India seeking immediate relief against her husband’s preventive detention under the National Security Act (NSA). The petition, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, invokes the writ of habeas corpus and challenges the legality of Wangchuck’s incarceration.
Wangchuck was detained on September 26 and is currently lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail. His detention followed violent clashes that erupted in Leh town on September 24, resulting in the death of four individuals and injuries to several others. Authorities invoked the NSA citing public order concerns.
Prior to moving the apex court, Angmo had submitted a formal representation to the President of India, seeking intervention in the matter. With no relief forthcoming, she has now sought judicial redress, arguing that her husband’s detention is arbitrary and violative of fundamental rights.
The Supreme Court is expected to list the matter for hearing on October 6, following the conclusion of its Dussehra vacation.
Sonam Wangchuck is widely recognized for his contributions to sustainable innovation and environmental advocacy in the Ladakh region. His detention has sparked concern among civil society groups and legal experts over the use of preventive laws against voices of dissent.
