SC Questions Centre on Sonam Wangchuk’s Detention: "Rethink Necessary" Given Activist’s Failing Health
SC Questions Centre on Sonam Wangchuk’s Detention: "Rethink Necessary" Given Activist’s Failing Health By Rama Shankar Shukla | The News Streak February 9, 2026 NEW DELHI — The Supreme Court of India today took a stern view of the continued detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, urging the Central Government to "rethink" his incarceration under the National Security Act (NSA). Wangchuk, who has been in a Jodhpur jail for nearly five months following protests in Ladakh, is reportedly facing deteriorating health. A bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice P.B. Varale is currently hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo. "Preventive, Not Punitive" During the hearing, the Court highlighted the distinction between punishment and prevention. "The detention order was passed in September 2025; nearly five months have passed," the bench remarked. "Considering the health condition of the detainee—whi...