The Central Government on Monday presented a stern stance before the Supreme Court regarding the detention of Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk. During the hearing before a bench comprising Justice Arvind Kumar and Justice Prasanna B. Varale, the Centre asserted that Wangchuk's public statements and actions constitute a significant threat to national security, while the government maintained that such rhetoric can't be permitted in a strategically sensitive border region like Ladakh.
Centre's Arguments on National Security
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, argued that Sonam Wangchuk has been drawing parallels between the situation in Ladakh and the political upheavals in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, while according to the government, citing such examples is equivalent to inciting the youth and creating an atmosphere against national integration. Mehta informed the court that Wangchuk's speeches often employ 'us versus them' narratives, which are detrimental to social harmony and public order.
Strategic Importance of Ladakh and DM's Decision
The government defended the District Magistrate's (DM) decision to invoke the National Security Act (NSA). The Solicitor General emphasized that Ladakh serves as a critical hub for the Indian Army's supply chain. Given its geographical and strategic sensitivity, any form of instability or incitement could have far-reaching consequences for the nation's defense. The Centre argued that the DM acted within his jurisdiction to prevent potential escalation, stating that a failure to act would have been a dereliction of duty.
Defense Challenges Procedural Lapses
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Wangchuk's wife Gitanjali Angmo, countered the government's claims. Sibal argued that the detention was based on flimsy and irrelevant grounds. He specifically pointed out a procedural lapse, claiming that the four videos used as the basis for the NSA detention were never provided to Wangchuk. The defense contended that withholding evidence deprived the activist of his right to represent his case effectively before the advisory board and the government.
Background of the Ladakh Statehood Movement
Sonam Wangchuk was detained on 26 September 2025 under the National Security Act and is currently held in Jodhpur Jail. The arrest followed violent protests in Leh on 24 September 2025, which resulted in four fatalities and 90 injuries. Wangchuk has been leading a movement demanding full statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. His legal team maintains that he had publicly condemned the violence and advocated for a peaceful struggle.
Analytical Perspective and Legal Implications
According to legal analysts, this case highlights the ongoing tension between civil activism and national security protocols in sensitive regions, while experts suggest that the Supreme Court's scrutiny will focus on whether the invocation of the NSA was a proportionate response to the activist's rhetoric. The government remains firm that the strategic nature of Ladakh necessitates zero tolerance for any speech that could incite public disorder. The court is scheduled to resume the hearing on Tuesday at 2:00 PM.