Supreme Court Hears Wangchuk NSA Plea

Kapil Sibal argues detention of Ladakh activist is illegal and violates fundamental rights

January 8, 2026: The Supreme Court on Thursday continued hearing a plea challenging the NSA detention of Ladakh-based activist Sonam Wangchuk and scheduled the matter for further hearing on January 12. Wangchuk’s wife has sought his immediate release, arguing that the preventive detention was unjustified and ignored his consistent efforts to maintain peace in the region. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioner, played video clips in court showing Wangchuk appealing for calm and harmony in Ladakh.

A habeas corpus petition filed by Angmo termed the detention illegal and arbitrary, alleging violation of fundamental rights. The case was heard by a Bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and P.B. Varale, which allowed the petitioner to place video material on record. The court had adjourned the matter a day earlier to examine the submissions in detail.

Sibal argued that Wangchuk was not supplied with complete grounds of detention and was denied a proper opportunity to make a representation. He said key videos relied upon in the detention order were not provided, rendering the detention invalid under settled law. Wangchuk, known for decades as an education reformer and climate activist, was detained under the NSA in September 2025 following his campaign for statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh.