Wangchuk Was Involved in Dangerous Activities, Says Leh DM in Supreme Court; Calls Detention Legal

Sonam Wangchuk was involved in prejudicial activities: The Leh District Magistrate filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court on Tuesday defending the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The affidavit said Wangchuk was involved in activities that were prejudicial to state security, public order, and essential services. For this reason he was detained under the National Security Act (NSA).

The District Magistrate also clarified that Wangchuk was not detained illegally, nor was he being treated unfairly in custody. The affidavit said that Wangchuk was given full information about the reasons and facts of the action taken against him.

Arrest made after violent protests in Ladakh

Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the NSA on 26 September 2025. This step was taken at a time when there were violent protests demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule. Four people died, and about 90 people were injured in these demonstrations. The government has accused Wangchuk of inciting violence.

Wife Gitanjali Angmo appealed to the Supreme Court

Wangchuk's wife, Geetanjali Angmo, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his detention order under the NSA and demanding his immediate release. In response to this petition, the District Magistrate filed an affidavit saying that he was "completely satisfied" with the reasons for Wangchuk's detention and still stands by his decision.

Information about detention and transfer was given

The Supreme Court was told that Wangchuk was informed about the reasons for his detention under the National Security Act, 1980, and was also informed about his transfer to the Central Jail in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. This information was also immediately given to his wife through telephone.

The District Magistrate presented his arguments

The District Magistrate said that all the grounds and facts of detention were sent to the Advisory Board on time, as provided in Section 10 of the NSA. The affidavit further said that Wangchuk has not yet made any representation to the advisory board, although he has sent a letter to the President of India.

Since this letter was also marked for the Union Territory of Ladakh, it was also placed before the Advisory Board. The affidavit said that the advisory board has informed Wangchuk in writing that if he wishes, he can submit his representation within a week of receipt of the notice (by October 10, 2025).