The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Modi government and the Ladakh administration on a petition challenging the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The plea was filed by Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, questioning his alleged illegal detention.
Court Seeks Response from Centre and Ladakh Administration
The Supreme Court has directed the Central Government and the Union Territory of Ladakh administration to file their response to the petition challenging Sonam Wangchuk's alleged illegal detention. The court ordered that all relevant detention documents and a copy of the order must be provided to the petitioner, Wangchuk's wife. During the hearing, the Supreme Court also explicitly directed that Sonam Wangchuk be provided with adequate medical facilities in jail, ensuring his health is properly looked after, while the court has set October 14 as the date for the next hearing in this matter.
Court Questions Direct Approach to SC
A bench of Justices Arvind Kumar and. NV Anjaria sought a response from the government after a brief hearing. During the proceedings, the Supreme Court questioned Wangchuk's counsel why the matter wasn't taken up in the High Court first. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Gitanjali Angmo, responded by asking, "Which High Court, while " Sibal emphasized that the petition challenges the legality of the detention, and they're vigorously opposing it. He argued that the matter is of national importance, justifying its direct presentation before the Supreme Court, while
Central Government's Stance
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Central Government, presented the government's position before the court. Mehta stated that the grounds for Sonam Wangchuk's detention had been clearly communicated to him. However, he didn't elaborate on the specific reasons for the detention in court. The bench instructed the Central Government to file its detailed response, following which the next hearing will take place on October 14.
