In a significant legal move, Gitanjali Angmo, the wife of celebrated environmentalist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, has approached the Supreme Court of India by filing a writ petition for habeas corpus. This urgent appeal challenges the ongoing detention of her husband under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), seeking his immediate release.
Sonam Wangchuk, widely recognized for inspiring the character ‘Phunsukh Wangdu’ in the Bollywood film “3 Idiots,” has been a prominent voice for environmental protection and socio-economic development in Ladakh. He has been particularly vocal about advocating for constitutional safeguards for the region, including statehood and protection under the Sixth Schedule, which would preserve its unique culture and fragile ecosystem. His recent hunger strike and participation in protests demanding these rights for Ladakh had garnered national attention.
The invocation of the National Security Act against Wangchuk has sparked widespread concern among civil rights activists and legal experts. The NSA allows for preventive detention for up to a year without charge, raising questions about due process and fundamental freedoms. Mrs. Angmo’s petition argues that her husband’s detention is arbitrary, illegal, and a violation of his constitutional rights, particularly the right to personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
A writ of habeas corpus is a legal recourse used to bring a person before a court to ensure that their detention is lawful. It is a crucial safeguard against unlawful imprisonment and is considered a cornerstone of civil liberties. The Supreme Court’s decision to hear this plea will be closely watched, as it pertains to the rights of a prominent public figure and the application of a controversial law.
The legal challenge highlights the escalating tensions surrounding the demands for greater autonomy and environmental protection in Ladakh, a region strategically important and ecologically sensitive. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future instances involving activism and governmental action.