The Supreme Court will hear a petition on Monday challenging the arrest of Ladakh-based activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk. The plea was filed by his wife, Geetanjali Angmo.
Wangchuk was arrested on September 24 after violent protests in Leh, Ladakh. He is currently in Jodhpur prison. The petition argues his detention is politically motivated and violates his fundamental rights. The case will be heard by a bench led by Justices Arvind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria.
The Ladakh administration has defended its actions. It dismissed allegations of victimisation as baseless and claimed the arrest was based on credible documents and legal grounds. Authorities said investigations were ongoing into financial irregularities and foreign funding issues involving the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL).
Officials also cited the cancellation of FCRA registration of SECMOL, another organisation linked to Wangchuk. They accused him of provocative remarks, including references to other South Asian countries, and of inciting youth. A June 2025 video allegedly suggested an “Arab Spring”-style movement and self-immolation protests. The administration urged an impartial legal process.
