SC to hear plea on Sonam Wangchuk's detention

The Supreme Court will hear a plea on January 8 from the wife of Sonam Wangchuk, a climate activist who was detained under the National Security Act.

The plea argues that his detention is illegal and violates his fundamental rights.

Wangchuk was detained on September 26, two days after violent protests in Ladakh left four people dead and 90 injured.

The government accused him of inciting the violence, but his wife claims he condemned the violence and has a long history of contributing to education and environmental conservation.

The court has been adjourning the matter to allow the Centre and Ladakh administration to respond to the plea.

The detention is related to Wangchuk's advocacy for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards for Ladakh, which would grant the region greater autonomy and protection over its land and resources.

The activist remains in custody while his supporters continue to call for a resolution that respects the democratic aspirations of the people of Ladakh.