New Delhi: The Ladakh administration has defended the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA), claiming before the Supreme Court that he had been “indulging in activities prejudicial to the security of the state, maintenance of public order and services essential to the community.”
The affidavit, filed by the District Magistrate of Leh, came in response to a petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali Angmo, who has challenged his detention and sought his immediate release.
‘Activities prejudicial to security of the state’
In the affidavit, the Leh DM stated that the detention order was passed only after “duly considering the material placed before him” and after arriving at “subjective satisfaction” that Wangchuk’s actions were against the interests of the state.
“I was satisfied and continue to be satisfied of the detention of the detenue,” the affidavit read, adding that the order had been passed in accordance with the provisions of the National Security Act, 1980.
The matter was listed before a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria, which posted it for further hearing on Wednesday after senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Angmo, sought an adjournment.
Detention details communicated to family
The affidavit further stated that Wangchuk had been “categorically informed” of his detention under the NSA and his transfer to the Central Jail, Jodhpur in Rajasthan.
It added that the same was “immediately communicated telephonically” to his wife, which she herself acknowledged in her petition. “The grounds of detention along with the material were communicated to the detenue,” the DM stated.
The administration said that the detention order was forwarded to the Advisory Board under Section 10 of the Act within the prescribed period. However, it added that Wangchuk had “not made any representation” before the Board as permitted under the Act.
Representation sent to the President of India
According to the affidavit, Wangchuk instead addressed a letter to the President of India, rather than to the Advisory Board or any statutory authority. The Union Territory administration said that since a copy of this letter was marked to them, it was also placed before the Advisory Board for consideration.
“The Advisory Board has intimated the detenue in writing to make a representation if he so chooses within one week from October 10, 2025,” the affidavit said.
Jodhpur jail denies solitary confinement claim
In a separate affidavit, the Superintendent of Central Jail, Jodhpur, clarified that Wangchuk was not lodged in solitary confinement and was being extended all rights guaranteed to detenues under law.
“The detenu was detained in a standard barrack in the general ward, admeasuring 20 feet by 20 feet, and continues to be the sole occupant of that space. He is entitled to all rights available to detenues,” the affidavit noted.
It further stated that the activist was in normal health and consuming a regular diet. The affidavit emphasised that under Rule 538 of the Rajasthan Prison Rules, 2022, communication between detenues under NSA and their visitors is allowed only in the presence of a local police personnel familiar with the case.
“To ensure scrupulous compliance, the jail administration ensures the presence of such police personnel during all visitations,” it said.
Jail assures compliance with detainee rights
The superintendent asserted that the prison authorities have taken “all possible measures” to ensure that Wangchuk’s visitation rights were upheld. “The jail administration has ensured that his access to visitors is not compromised in any manner,” the affidavit said.
Background and next steps
Wangchuk’s detention under the NSA had sparked strong criticism from environmental and civil society groups, who alleged that the action was politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissent. The administration, however, maintains that the decision was based on credible intelligence inputs about activities posing a threat to public order.
The Supreme Court will continue hearing the matter on Wednesday, when the bench is expected to examine the affidavit and submissions made by both sides.