Sonam Wangchuk Hasn't Made Representation Against Detention; Wife, Brother & Lawyers Met Him In Jail : Authorities Tell Supreme Court

The Leh District Magistrate has informed the Supreme Court that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has not yet made any representation challenging his preventive detention under the National Safety Act (PSA).

In an affidavit filed before the apex court, the District Magistrate stated that the detention order was passed on September 26 after due consideration, and that it was based on credible inputs indicating that Wangchuk was “indulging in activities prejudicial to national security.”

He was kept under detention following the violent protests in Ladakh over demands for statehood.

Rejecting the allegations of illegal detention, the affidavit further asserts that Wangchuk's wife was immediately informed about his arrest by the Leh Police and that the family was “timely informed” about his transfer to the Jodhpur Central Jail.

It is stated that the grounds of detention were communicated to Wangchuk on September 29, within the time limit of five days specified under Section 8 of the National Security Act. The affidavit further stated that he was medically examined, both after his detention and after his production in the Jodhpur Central Jail, and he was found to be fit. Wangchuk also informed that he was not under any medication.

The detention order has been forwarded to the Advisory Board in terms of Section 10; however, he is yet to make any representation. As per the Act, only the detenu can make the representation. Nevertheless, the Leh District Magistrate stated, the letter sent by his wife to the President has also been placed before the Advisory Board.

The Superintendent of the Jodhpur Central Jail, in a separate affidavit, also endorsed the medical fitness of Wangchuk. The Jail Superintendent further stated that on October 4, Wangchuk's lawyer, Mustafa Haji, and his brother, Tseten Dorje, were allowed to meet him for one hour. Also, his wife, Dr.Gitanjali Angmo, along with Advocate Sarvam Rithe Khare, met him on October 7 for one hour.

As per Wanghcuk's request, he was given a laptop on October 12, though there is no such mandate under the Prison Rules, the Jail authority said.

The affidavits came in response to a petition filed by his wife Dr. Gitanjali Angmo, challenging Wangchuk's detention. A bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice NV Anjaria will hear the matter tomorrow.