Sonam Wangchuk Detained After Ladakh Protests; Supreme Court to Examine Legality and Procedural Issues

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On Wednesday, the Supreme Court consented to consider a ‘habeas corpus’ petition submitted by activist Gitanjali Angmo. The petition requests the release of Sonam Wangchuk amid constant debate and social media uproar.. He was allegedly detained in Jodhpur jail after being arrested under the NSA Act. The Bench of Justices Aravand Kumar and P. B. Varale held the hearing on Thursday at 2:00 pm after reviewing the submissions.

Sonam Wangxhuk’s Detention Challenged in Supreme Court

On September 26, 2025, Wangchuk was taken into custody under the National Security Act. Later, he was transferred to Jodhpur. His arrest took place two days after violent demonstrations in the Union territory that called for Ladakh’s statehood and Sixth Schedule status. The government accused Wangchuk of inciting the violent act. 

Supreme Court Allows Angmo to Amend Petition

Previously the Supreme Court allowed Angmo to modify her petition and directed the Center, the UT Administration, and jail officials to provide more answers.

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“The petitioner is permitted to amend the petition and file an amended copy within a week. The amended counter shall be filed within 10 days thereafter. Rejoinder, if any, within a week thereafter. List on November 24,” according to October 29th’s order.

In her new appeal, Angmo claims that the detention order was issued mechanically and without following protocols. She also claims that the NSA’s statutory procedural safeguards were not followed.

She has also highlighted that the authorities proceeded hastily and failed to provide appropriate grounds for custody in a timely and meaningful manner. This affects Wangchuk’s chance to make an effective representation. 

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Who is Sonam Wangchuk Really?

Sonam Wangchuk is an educational reformer, environmental activist, and entrepreneur. He has actively raised awareness about the impact of climate change on Ladakh’s delicate ecosystem.

Wangchuk, born in 1966 in a remote town of Leh, began his career as a mechanical engineer. He founded the first alternative school, the Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL). 

What’s the verdict?

According to Indian Express LIVE Updates, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal highlighted that the detention order will be void if the grounds for detention are not provided in accordance with settled law in the context of Article 22 (5) and Section 8 of the NSA. He further stated that it is their case that the grounds for detention were not disclosed, despite the fact that the other party claimed they were.

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