In a fresh development surrounding the Ladakh protests, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, has approached the Supreme Court seeking his immediate release.

Wangchuk, known internationally for his environmental work, was detained under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) on September 26 — two days after violent demonstrations in Ladakh demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule left four people dead and around 90 injured. He is currently lodged in Jodhpur jail, Rajasthan.

In her petition, filed through advocate Sarvam Ritam Khare, Angmo not only challenged the detention but also questioned the legal basis for applying the NSA against Wangchuk. She alleged that she has not yet been provided a copy of the detention order, calling it a violation of due process.

Angmo further stated that she has been unable to establish any contact with her husband since his detention. “This lack of communication and denial of legal rights raises serious concerns about transparency and justice,” the plea argued.

Meanwhile, the Ladakh administration has dismissed allegations of a “witch-hunt” or a “smokescreen” targeting Wangchuk, insisting that the detention followed established legal procedures.

The case is expected to trigger wider debate, given Wangchuk’s prominence as an environmentalist and his vocal support for Ladakh’s demand for statehood and constitutional safeguards.