NEW DELHI (Oct 6) — The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Central Government on a writ petition filed by Gitanjali J Angmo, wife of detained Ladakh activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, challenging his arrest under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980.
A bench of Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice NV Anjaria said the matter would be heard next Tuesday, October 14.
The habeas corpus petition, filed under Article 32, seeks Wangchuk’s release and challenges his detention as “illegal and unconstitutional” under Article 22, arguing that neither Wangchuk nor his wife has been provided with the grounds of detention. Wangchuk is currently lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail following the September 24 clashes in Leh, which left four people dead and several injured.
The petition names the Union Government, Ladakh Administration, and the Superintendent of Jodhpur Central Jail as respondents.
Appearing for Angmo, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal argued that the grounds of detention must be served to her, since without them, it would be impossible to challenge the legality of the detention.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, countered that the grounds had already been served to Wangchuk and that there was “no legal mandate” to serve them to his wife. Mehta claimed the petitioner was attempting to create “a new ground for challenge” and “an emotive issue” for media attention.
Justice Kumar asked the SG what impediment existed in sharing the grounds with Angmo, but refrained from issuing an interim order. “At this stage, we will not say anything,” the bench observed.
Sibal clarified that Angmo was not seeking the grounds as a separate basis for challenge, but merely to enable the filing of a proper legal petition. The SG said he would “examine the feasibility” of sharing the documents.
The bench also addressed a request for medical access and permission for Angmo to meet Wangchuk. While Sibal sought interim relief for Wangchuk’s health, Mehta said that during a medical examination, the activist confirmed he was not on medication and that any necessary medical supplies would be ensured.
On the meeting request, Justice Kumar noted that no formal application had yet been made by Angmo. “First make a request, and if it is rejected, then approach the Court,” he said.
When questioned why the case had not been filed in a High Court, Sibal argued that since the detention order was passed by the Central Government, it was unclear which High Court had jurisdiction. The bench asked him to clarify this point at the next hearing.
The case has been registered as Gitanjali J. Angmo vs Union of India and Others (W.P. (Crl.) No. 399/2025).