New Delhi:
Gitanjali J. Angmo, the wife of renowned social activist Sonam Wangchuk, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court of India challenging his recent detention under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act. Wangchuk, a well-known advocate for Ladakh's full statehood and constitutional rights, was taken into custody on September 26 and is currently being held at Jodhpur Central Jail.
Supreme Court Petition Demands Immediate Release
Filed through advocate Sarvam Reetam Khare, the petition calls for Wangchuk’s immediate release, citing the absence of transparency surrounding his health and well-being. It points out that even a week after his arrest, Wangchuk's family has received no official updates on his physical or mental condition, raising serious concerns about his treatment in custody.
Arrest Linked to Ladakh Statehood Protest
Wangchuk’s detention followed a public protest in Ladakh demanding full statehood and constitutional safeguards for the region. The demonstration turned violent, and four individuals reportedly lost their lives during a police firing incident, prompting authorities to clamp down on movement leaders, including Wangchuk.
Wangchuk, an environmentalist and education reformer, has long championed the rights of Ladakhi people, seeking protection of their land, culture, and resources under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Legal and Human Rights Concerns
The petition challenges the application of the MPDA Act, arguing that it was misused to suppress peaceful dissent. Legal experts and human rights groups have echoed similar concerns, warning against the criminalization of democratic protest and calling for a fair judicial review of such detentions.
Public Outcry and Growing Support
Wangchuk's arrest has drawn widespread attention across social media, with several activists, civil society members, and citizens demanding his release. Many view his detention as an attempt to silence a peaceful and principled movement that aims to secure Ladakh's future through constitutional means.
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