Sonam Wangchuk’s detention amid Ladakh protests deemed illegal and arbitrary by his wife, Geetanjali Wangmo, who appealed for his release before the Supreme Court. Wangmo, the founder of the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL), accused authorities of subjecting her to virtual house arrest, restricting her movement and interactions. She highlighted the lack of disclosure regarding the reasons for Wangchuk’s detention and the denial of essential items like clothes and medications during his incarceration.
Following violent clashes in Ladakh on September 24, Wangchuk was arrested and subsequently held under the NSA on September 26. The unrest stemmed from demonstrations advocating for Ladakh’s statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, resulting in casualties and injuries. Authorities alleged that Wangchuk had incited protesters and maintained suspicious ties with a Pakistani intelligence officer.
Wangmo’s petition to the Supreme Court emphasized the absence of formal grounds or a detention order copy for Wangchuk’s arrest, which she deemed a violation of constitutional rights. She demanded his immediate release, citing the infringement on his legal rights, including the denial of legal representation and communication with family. The plea condemned what it described as a deliberate effort to suppress dissent and defame Wangchuk through baseless accusations and media misinformation.
The petition also disputed allegations linking Wangchuk to foreign entities, asserting his commitment to national causes and support for the Indian Army. It denounced the alleged harassment of HIAL members and students as part of a broader campaign to intimidate peaceful activists. Wangmo requested Wangchuk’s appearance in court, unrestricted communication between them, adequate provisions for his well-being, and an end to HIAL-related harassment. Additionally, the petition urged the court to review the detention order and medical assessment, as required by constitutional provisions.
The plea stressed the failure to provide Wangchuk and Wangmo with essential legal documentation, as mandated by the Constitution. It underscored Wangchuk’s contributions to national unity and environmental protection in Ladakh, dismissing claims of subversive foreign affiliations.