Govt revokes Sonam Wangchuk’s detention under National Security Act with immediate effect

The Centre has revoked the detention of climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect under the National Security Act, according to a government statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, bringing an end to his preventive detention.

In the statement, the Home Ministry said the government remains committed to creating conditions for dialogue in the Union Territory.

“The government remains committed to fostering an environment of peace, stability, and mutual trust in Ladakh so as to facilitate constructive and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders. The decision has been taken in furtherance of this objective,” the government said.


Wangchuk had been placed under detention under the National Security Act in September 2025. The law allows authorities to detain individuals to prevent actions considered harmful to national security or public order, with detention permitted for up to 12 months, though it can be revoked earlier.

His detention followed protests in Ladakh linked to demands for statehood and inclusion of the region under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Authorities had alleged that statements made during the protests could disturb public order.

The detention later became the subject of legal proceedings in the Supreme Court. A habeas corpus petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, challenged the legality of the detention and argued that it was arbitrary and violated his fundamental rights.

During hearings earlier this year, the top court also questioned aspects of the government’s interpretation of Wangchuk’s statements.

The bench observed that authorities may have been reading “too much” into his remarks while examining the grounds of the detention order.

The Centre had defended the action in court, arguing that the NSA is meant to prevent individuals from acting in ways that threaten public order or the security of the state and that preventive detention is a precautionary measure rather than a punishment.

Wangchuk had denied allegations that he called for violent agitation or the overthrow of the government. He maintained that he was exercising his democratic right to criticise policies and protest peacefully.