Sonam Wangchuk ‘fit and hearty’: Centre tells SC; no release on health grounds

New Delhi: The Union government and Leh administration on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that Ladakh-based activist Sonam Wangchuk, detained under the National Security Act (NSA), is in good health and cannot be released on medical grounds.

Appearing before a Bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Prasanna B Varale, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said Wangchuk’s condition had been reviewed 24 times and there was “nothing alarming” to justify his release. “He is fit, hale and hearty. He had some digestive issues; he is being treated. There is nothing to worry about, nothing alarming”, Mehta submitted, adding that exceptions could not be made in such cases, and would not be desirable in this case either.

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The court was hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Dr Gitanjali J Angmo, who has challenged his detention as “illegal” and an “arbitrary exercise violating his fundamental rights.”

Wangchuk has been in custody since September 26, 2025. In earlier proceedings, the Bench had noted his advancing age and “not very good” health, urging the government to reconsider whether his continued detention was necessary.

The Supreme Court has previously cautioned against delays in the matter, stressing the urgency of habeas corpus petitions. Earlier this week, it declined a request for more time from Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, reminding the government that, “You must understand it is a habeas corpus matter.”

On Wednesday, the Bench reiterated its concern, suggesting the Centre “give it a thought” as to whether Wangchuk’s detention should continue.

IANS