The Centre on Monday opposed Ladakh-based activist Sonam Wangchuk’s detention under the National Security Act (NSA) before the Supreme Court, arguing that his speeches posed a serious threat to public order and national security, particularly given Ladakh’s strategic location along a sensitive international border.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for the Centre before a bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and P.B. Varale.
Mehta contended that Wangchuk’s speeches sought to influence impressionable youth by citing examples such as Nepal, Bangladesh and the Arab Spring, which he said were marked by violence, riots and bloodshed.
Referring to excerpts from the speeches, the Solicitor General alleged that Wangchuk encouraged ideas of referendum, plebiscite and even self-immolation, thereby giving the movement an international and secessionist colour.
He stressed that preventive detention under the NSA is not punitive but aimed at safeguarding society.
Mehta submitted that even a single line or word in a speech, if capable of inciting disorder, could justify detention He further argued that the District Magistrate, as the authority best placed to assess ground realities, was satisfied that the material on record warranted preventive detention.
The Solicitor General also took strong exception to certain analogies used in the speeches, rejecting the contention that they were merely figures of speech.
He asserted that invoking Mahatma Gandhi was a “facade” to justify incitement, noting that Gandhiji never endorsed violence or selfharm.
The Supreme Court will continue hearing the matter on tuesday.
