• Source:JND

The Union government informed the Supreme Court that it cannot release Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, saying his release will not lead to a positive outcome. The popular environment activist was detained by authorities under the National Security Act (NSA) in connection with the violent protests in Leh last year, in which four people were killed, and more than 150 were injured.

What Solicitor General Said Opposiing Wangchuk's Release

The Solicitor General of India (SGI) Tushar Mehta said Wangchuk should not be released on medical grounds as he is fit. “He has been examined periodically some 24 times as per the jail manual. He is fit and hearty. He had a digestive issue, an infection. If we start making such exceptions (to release him), it will not lead to a positive outcome. The grounds on which the detention order was passed continue. It will not be possible to release him on health grounds. It may not be desirable, either. Since it has fallen from your lordships, we have given utmost consideration”, the SG said.

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Mehta made the submission before a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and PB Varale in response to the Supreme Court’s earlier query, asking the authorities to consider Wangchuks’ release on medical grounds over his deteriorating health issue.

The top court was hearing the plea filed by Wangchuk's’ wife Gitanjali J Angmo challenging her husband's’ detention.

Sonam Wangchuk ‘Perfectly Good': Centre

The Centre on Monday informed the Supreme Court that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was in a “perfectly good” condition and was getting the best of the treatment from AIIMS, Jodhpur while in custody.

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A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and PB Varale was informed by Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, appearing for the Centre, that no progress has been made as of now regarding the review of Wangchuk’s detention.

At the outset, Justice Kumar asked Nataraj whether any progress had been made at the court’s request to review Wangchuk’s detention in view of his deteriorating health.

“What happened? Any progress? Has it been done?” Justice Kumar asked Nataraj.

The ASG replied, “I will submit… Nothing has been done as of now. He is getting the best of treatment.” A counsel for Wangchuk submitted that it was high time to reconsider his detention as he continued to be unwell. Justice Varale said that was what the court said on the last occasion when it made the suggestion.

“There are issues, and it’s not like you are not denying it, and he is also making a complaint of health issues. The doctor says yes, it is there, and now treatment is being provided. Admittedly, the health issue is there, and on the last day itself we made the suggestion,” Justice Varale told Nataraj.

Earlier, appearing for Angmo, senior advocate Kapil Sibal moved an application seeking that a specialist doctor examine Wangchuk, as he had frequently complained of stomachache, possibly due to contaminated water.

On February 4, the top court asked the Centre if there was any possibility for the government to relook at Wangchuk’s detention considering his health condition.
(With Agencies inputs)


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