Ladakh climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has told the Supreme Court peaceful protest and criticism of the government do not amount to threats to national security. Wangchuk remains in jail under the National Security Act following protests over statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali J. Angmo, presented the case before a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and P.B. Varale. Sibal argued Wangchuk’s actions included speeches, a foot march, and hunger strikes, all nonviolent in nature. He said authorities relied on selective excerpts from speeches rather than full context while issuing the detention order.
Sibal told the court the detention relied on misleading and out of context material. He described the approach as malafide and aimed at prolonged incarceration. He stressed protests focused on environmental protection amid rising investment pressure in Ladakh. He warned unchecked development had earlier damaged fragile regions.
Addressing allegations linked to mistranslations,Sibal said claims about overthrowing the government and refusing support to the Army arose from language gaps or intentional distortion. He added authorities ignored videos where Wangchuk praised the government, including the PM.
Sibal said peaceful protest forms part of constitutional expression. No criminal action under public order laws followed the protests, he noted.