NEW DELHI: The Union Government on 11 February 2026 told the Supreme Court that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk should not be released from detention on medical grounds, asserting there’s nothing “seriously wrong” with his health despite earlier concerns from the court about his condition.
Appearing before a bench of Justice Arvind Kumar and Justice P.B. Varale, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta said Wangchuk has been examined 28 times under the jail manual and is “fit, hale and hearty”—though he has had some minor digestive issues for which he is being treated. The government argued that exceptions should not be made in preventive detention cases simply based on health complaints.
Mehta told the bench that the Union had considered the court’s earlier suggestion to review Wangchuk’s detention in light of his health but could not process it. The government maintained Wangchuk’s condition is not “alarming” and stressed he is receiving appropriate care while in custody.
This stance was in response to ongoing habeas corpus proceedings filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Dr. Gitanjali Angmo, challenging the legality of his preventive detention under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980. Wangchuk was detained on 26 September 2025, days after protests in Ladakh over demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule protection turned violent.
Earlier hearings had seen the bench express concern about Wangchuk’s health, at one point suggesting the Centre rethink his continued detention due to medical issues highlighted by his counsel, including complaints about stomach pain potentially linked to contaminated water. Doctors from AIIMS Jodhpur examined him following court orders, and reports were submitted to the Supreme Court.
Despite these developments, the Union opposed release on health grounds, arguing Wangchuk’s condition is being managed and there’s no legal basis to grant exceptional relief in preventive detention. The case continues to focus on balancing procedural safeguards with individual rights amid national security considerations.
