New Delhi, February 11, 2026 — The Central government on Wednesday informed the Supreme Court that Ladakh-based climate activist and social leader Sonam Wangchuk cannot be released from preventive detention on medical or health grounds, asserting that his condition is stable and poses no serious concern.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Union government, appeared before a bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and P.B. Varale. He submitted that Wangchuk has undergone multiple medical examinations—reports varying slightly between 24 and 28 checks—since his detention began, and he remains "fit, hale and hearty."
"He had some digestive issues and he is being treated for that. There is nothing to worry [about]. Nothing alarming," Mehta told the court, according to multiple legal and media reports. He emphasized that the grounds for Wangchuk's detention under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980, continue to exist, making his release on health grounds neither possible nor desirable.
"We can't make exceptions like this," Mehta added, noting that the authorities had given "utmost consideration" to the court's earlier suggestion but maintained their stance against any relaxation.
Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, filed a habeas corpus petition challenging the legality of his preventive detention. The activist was detained on September 26, 2025, following violent protests in Leh, Ladakh, where demonstrators demanded statehood for the region and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The clashes reportedly resulted in four deaths and over 150 injuries.
The Supreme Court had previously expressed concern over Wangchuk's health, describing it as "not that good" and directing a specialized medical examination while urging the Centre to reconsider his continued custody. A medical report was subsequently submitted, prompting the government's latest submission.
The hearing relates to Wangchuk's ongoing detention in Jodhpur Central Jail. The bench was hearing arguments on the plea, with the government's position reinforcing that no exception can be made in a case involving serious allegations tied to public order and national security concerns.
The matter remains pending before the Supreme Court, with further proceedings expected as the court examines the validity of the detention order and related submissions.
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