Sonam Wangchuk’s detention: SC defers hearing on plea to Nov 24
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday postponed to November 24 the hearing on a habeas corpus petition filed by Gitanjali J. Angmo, wife of Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, challenging his detention under the National Security Act (NSA).
A Bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria was hearing the amended plea seeking Wangchuk’s release.
Appearing for Angmo, senior advocate Kapil Sibal sought the apex court’s permission to place additional documents on record in support of the petition.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Union government, informed the Bench that the amended application and its accompanying affidavit had been filed on Tuesday evening.
Allowing Sibal’s request, the Bench permitted the petitioner to amend the habeas corpus plea and file the amended copy within a week. It directed the Union government, the Union Territory of Ladakh administration, the Deputy Commissioner of Leh, and the Jodhpur Central Jail authorities to file their additional responses within ten days thereafter.
The court further said that any rejoinder by the petitioner may be filed within a week following the government’s reply.
“The petitioner is permitted to amend the petition and file an amended copy within a week. The amended counter shall be filed within ten days thereafter. Rejoinder, if any, within a week thereafter. List on November 24,” the order stated.
Angmo’s plea challenges Wangchuk’s detention under the NSA, alleging that the authorities acted arbitrarily and failed to follow mandatory procedural safeguards.
In its earlier affidavit, the Ladakh administration maintained that the grounds of detention were duly communicated to the activist within the prescribed time.
Wangchuk, a noted environmentalist and education reformer, was detained in September after being accused of inciting unrest in Leh during a protest. He was subsequently shifted to Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan.
With IANS inputs