The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear a habeas corpus petition filed by activist Gitanjali J. Angmo seeking the release of Ladakh-based social activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, who is presently lodged in Central Jail, Jodhpur following his detention under the National Security Act (NSA).

A Bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice P.B. Varale took note of the submissions made in the matter and scheduled the plea for hearing on Thursday at 2 pm.

During the brief hearing, Justice Aravind Kumar indicated that the case would be taken up the next day as his “brother Judge wanted to go through the case.” Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioner, consented to the listing.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, informed the Court that he might not be available due to a part-heard matter and that another counsel would represent the union of India. Justice Kumar permitted the arrangement, observing that the other matter could be concluded.

The Bench also took note of Sibal’s request to play a video during the course of the hearing. Upon being asked whether prior intimation had been given to the opposite side, Sibal confirmed that the respondents had been informed in advance.

Earlier, on December 8, 2025, a request was made before the Supreme Court on behalf of Wangchuk seeking permission for him to appear virtually from jail.

Senior Advocate Sibal had submitted that Wangchuk wished to be connected via video conferencing. The Solicitor General had opposed the plea, contending that such a concession would lead to similar demands by other detainees.

The Court had previously allowed an application seeking to place on record additional facts and grounds in the habeas corpus petition filed by Angmo. On October 15, the Centre defended Wangchuk’s detention, with the Solicitor General asserting that the detention under the NSA was carried out in accordance with due process and that no legal or constitutional rights had been violated.

An affidavit filed by the District Magistrate, Leh, before the apex court stated that Wangchuk’s detention on September 26, 2025, was lawful and in compliance with the NSA, alleging his involvement in inciting violence in Ladakh. The affidavit further stated that Wangchuk was informed of the grounds of detention and that the detention order was placed before the Advisory Board.

Separately, the Superintendent of Central Jail, Jodhpur, in an affidavit, informed the Court that Wangchuk is medically fit, housed in a regular barrack and not in solitary confinement, and is being granted visitation rights in accordance with prison rules under police supervision. The jail authorities also stated that Wangchuk is receiving a normal diet and that all statutory safeguards are being observed.

In a fresh affidavit, Angmo has alleged that she has been placed under surveillance by officials of the Intelligence Bureau and the Rajasthan Police in Jodhpur and Delhi, claiming violation of her fundamental rights under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution.

She alleged that she was escorted from the airport by officials, made to travel in a vehicle with curtains drawn, and was not permitted to move freely during her stay in Jodhpur, including while visiting the jail authorities.

The petition challenges Wangchuk’s continued detention as illegal and politically motivated, alleging that the invocation of the NSA is intended to suppress peaceful protest and dissent.

Wangchuk, a noted environmental activist and innovator, was detained following a series of protests demanding constitutional safeguards for the union Territory of Ladakh.

The Supreme Court had issued notice in the matter on October 6.

According to the petition, Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025, by the Deputy Commissioner, Leh, while he was recovering from a prolonged fast undertaken in support of demands for inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. It has also been alleged that he was shifted to Jodhpur without being furnished the grounds of detention.