'The purpose of Wangchuk's speech was not to spread violence, but to end it', Sonam's wife (file photo)
PTI, New Delhi. Gitanjali J., wife of jailed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Angmo told the Supreme Court on Thursday that the purpose of her husband's speech was not to endanger or disturb the security of the state in any way, but to end it. But, facts are being distorted to portray him as a criminal.
Gitanjali also told the Supreme Court that Wangchuk was not provided with the "full grounds" of his detention and was not given a fair opportunity to present his case before the concerned authority against his detention. The hearing of this case remained inconclusive and will continue on January 12.
It is noteworthy that Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) on September 26, 2025, two days after violent protests demanding statehood and inclusion of Union Territory Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule. Four people were killed and 90 people were injured in these demonstrations.
The government has accused him of inciting violence. The NSA empowers the Center and states to detain a person to prevent them from engaging in activities that threaten the security of India. The maximum period of detention under this is 12 months, although it can be canceled even earlier.
However, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Geetanjali, told Justice Arvind Kumar and Justice Prasanna B. Varale told the bench that Wangchuk was detained by the administration to prevent him from indulging in prejudicial activities.
Playing the video of Wangchuk's speech in the Supreme Court, Sibal said that the climate activist had given this speech while breaking his hunger strike.