The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Union Government on a petition filed by Gitanjali Angmo, the wife of Ladakh-based environmentalist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, challenging his preventive detention under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980. The petition, filed as a writ of habeas corpus, argues that the detention is illegal and that the authorities have failed to furnish the grounds for his arrest either to Wangchuk or his family.
A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria issued notice to the Centre and scheduled the matter for further hearing on October 14. During the proceedings, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioner, contended that the grounds for Wangchuk’s detention must be made available to his wife so that she can challenge the order in court. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, opposed the request, maintaining that the detention grounds had already been communicated to Wangchuk himself and that there was no statutory obligation to provide them to his spouse.
The bench refrained from issuing a direction at this stage but asked the Solicitor General to clarify why the grounds could not be shared with the petitioner. Justice Kumar also questioned whether Angmo had sought formal permission to meet her husband. When Sibal confirmed that no such application had been made, the court observed that any request for a meeting would need to be made through proper procedure.
Sibal further argued that without access to the detention order and supporting documents, it was impossible to mount an effective legal challenge. He emphasized that the plea did not hinge solely on the non-disclosure of the detention grounds, but on the broader question of procedural fairness and constitutional safeguards under Article 22 of the Indian Constitution.
The counsel also requested that adequate medical facilities be ensured for Wangchuk during his detention. In response, the Solicitor General stated that a medical check-up had already been conducted and that Wangchuk was found to be in good health, but assured the court that any medical requirement would be promptly addressed if it arose.
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