The central government has made it clear to the Supreme Court that it cannot release climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was detained in the Leh violence case.

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The Central Government informed the Supreme Court on Wednesday that Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk cannot be released. Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) last year in connection with violent protests in Leh. He was detained on September 26th. Recently, due to Wangchuk’s deteriorating health, there are demands for his release on medical grounds. Let us examine the Central Government’s arguments in its response to the Supreme Court.

What did the government argue?

Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, before a bench of Justices Arvind Kumar and P.B. Varale, responded to the Supreme Court’s earlier question, which asked authorities to consider Wangchuk’s release on medical grounds, given his deteriorating health. Tushar Mehta stated, “Sonam Wangchuk has been regularly examined approximately 24 times as per the jail manual. He is healthy and well. He had digestive problems and an infection. If we start making such exceptions (for his release), it will not yield any positive results. The grounds on which the detention order was passed remain in force. His release will not be possible due to health reasons. It may not even be desirable. Since this matter has come before you, we have thoroughly considered it.”

What charges are faced against Sonam Wangchuk?

Sonam Wangchuk is currently lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail. He was detained on September 26, 2025. Two days prior, violent protests demanding statehood and inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule erupted. Four people were killed and over 150 were injured in these protests. Sonam Wangchuk is accused of inciting this violence.

Wangchuk accused of trying to incite Gen-Z

The central government and the administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh have informed the Supreme Court that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk attempted to incite Gen-Z to protest like those in Nepal and Bangladesh. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Supreme Court that Wangchuk also referred to movements like the Arab Spring, which led to the fall of governments in several Arab countries.