Govt revokes Sonam Wangchuk’s detention under National Security Act with immediate effect
In the statement, the Home Ministry said the government remains committed to creating conditions for dialogue in the Union Territory.
“The government remains committed to promoting an environment of peace, stability and mutual trust in Ladakh to facilitate constructive and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders. The decision has been taken in furtherance of this objective,” the government said. he said.
Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Law in September 2025. The law allows authorities to detain individuals to prevent actions deemed harmful to national security or public order; The detention period is allowed to be extended for up to 12 months, but this period can be canceled earlier.
His arrest came in the wake of protests in Ladakh linked to demands for statehood and inclusion of the region in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Authorities claimed that statements made during the protests could disrupt public order.
The detention later became the subject of legal proceedings in the Supreme Court. A habeas corpus petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, challenged the legality of the detention, arguing that it was arbitrary and violated her fundamental rights.
During hearings earlier this year, the high court also questioned the government’s interpretation of Wangchuk’s statements. The delegation observed that the authorities may have interpreted “too much” meaning from his words while examining the reasons for the arrest decision.
The Center defended the case in court, arguing that the NSA aims to prevent individuals from acting in ways that threaten public order or the security of the state and that preventive detention is a precautionary measure rather than a punishment.
Wangchuk has denied allegations that he called for violent agitation or the overthrow of the government. He maintained that he was exercising his democratic right to criticize policies and peacefully protest.
