'Can't be permitted to spread venom': In SC, Centre defends Sonam Wangchuk's detention under NSA

Sonam Wangchuk

The Centre on Monday defended the detention of activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) before the Supreme Court, arguing that his statements posed a serious threat to national security and public order. A bench of Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Prasanna B Varale heard the matter.

Appearing for the government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said Wangchuk could not be permitted to “spread venom” by making calls for plebiscite and referendum, especially in a strategically sensitive region like Ladakh, which is critical for the country’s defence and supply chain for forces stationed at the border.

On January 29, Wangchuk, who is under detention in Jodhpur Central Jail, denied allegations that he made a statement to overthrow the government like Arab Spring, emphasising that he has the democratic right to criticise and protest.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Wangchuk's wife, submitted that police have relied on a selective video to mislead the detaining authority. It had also directed medical examination by a specialist doctor of the climate activist after he complained of stomach issues due to water contamination.

Sibal further argued that the agency’s allegation that Wangchuk instigated people at the border was completely baseless, stating that he has always followed the peaceful path of “anshan and padyatras” as shown by Mahatma Gandhi.

Angmo's claims the detention is illegal and an arbitrary exercise violating his fundamental rights.

On November 24, the top court deferred the matter after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and the Union Territory of Ladakh, sought time to respond to the rejoinder filed by Angmo.