Archive · 30 Jan 2026
SC Orders Medical Exam for Wangchuk
Sonam Wangchuk is a climate activist who was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) on September 26, 2025.
His wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, approached the Supreme Court to challenge this detention.
The Supreme Court is hearing the case on January 29, 2026.
The government accused Wangchuk of inciting violence that occurred two days before his detention.
During the hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Angmo, argued that the grounds for detention were not properly justified and that irrelevant materials were relied upon.
The court is considering these arguments to decide on the legality of Wangchuk’s detention.
Additionally, the court ordered a specialist medical examination for Wangchuk after he complained of stomach issues due to water contamination in jail.
The medical report is due by February 2, 2026.
Supreme Court orders medical examination by a specialist doctor for Sonam Wangchuk due to stomach issues.
Wangchuk's lawyer argues that his detention under the NSA is based on misrepresented statements and peaceful protest activities.
Government claims Wangchuk has been examined by jail doctors 21 times with no serious issues reported.
Court insists on a specialist’s evaluation and directs the submission of a medical report by February 2, 2026.
Wangchuk's detention is challenged as arbitrary and violating his fundamental rights.
- Who
- Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and his wife Gitanjali J Angmo
- What
- Supreme Court hearing and medical examination ordered for Wangchuk
- When
- January 29, 2026
- Where
- Supreme Court of India
- Why
- To address Wangchuk's detention under the NSA and his health concerns
Government's Stance
Wangchuk's Defense
Incitement of Violence
Government's Stance
The government accuses Wangchuk of inciting violence during protests in Ladakh, citing his statements as a threat to national security.
Wangchuk's Defense
Wangchuk's defense argues that his statements were misrepresented and that he has a democratic right to criticize the government without threatening national security.
Grounds for Detention
Government's Stance
The government claims that Wangchuk's detention under the NSA is justified based on his alleged incitement of violence and threats to public order.
Wangchuk's Defense
Wangchuk's defense contends that the grounds for detention are based on selective and misconstrued statements, and that his actions were peaceful.
Medical Examination
Government's Stance
The government asserts that Wangchuk has been examined by jail doctors 21 times and that his medical reports show no serious issues.
Wangchuk's Defense
Wangchuk's defense argues that he needs a specialist doctor to address his stomach issues due to water contamination in jail.
- Activist
- Sonam Wangchuk
- Wife
- Gitanjali J Angmo
- Act
- National Security Act (NSA)
- Detention Date
- September 26, 2025
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Judges
- Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Prasanna B Varale
- Lawyer
- Kapil Sibal
- Hearing Date
- January 29, 2026
- Medical Report Due
- February 2, 2026
- Jail
- Jodhpur Central Jail
- Protests
- Demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh
- Casualties
- 4 dead, 90 injured
Sources
Sonam Wangchuk Detention Hearing Live Updates: Supreme Court to hear plea against Wangchuk’s detention
Sonam Wangchuk case: Criticism of government does not threaten national security, activist tells SC
SC directs Sonam Wangchuk’s medical examination by specialist doctor
Sonam Wangchuk Detention Hearing: SC Orders Medical Exam Amid Health Concerns
Wangchuk denies 'Arab Spring' call in SC; says police twisted words
