Is Centre reading too much into Sonam Wangchuk's remarks, SC asks govt

New Delhi: Supreme Court on Wednesday verbally remarked that the central government was reading "too much" into the statements made by environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk who stands detained under the National Security Act (NSA). The oral observation was made by a bench comprising justices Aravind Kumar and PB Varale during the resumed hearing of a plea filed by Wangchuk's wife Gitanjali Angmo challenging his preventive detention.

The counsel for the Centre argued Wangchuk had warned that a violent agitation, similar to what occurred in Nepal, could take place in Ladakh and that youth were expressing doubts on the effectiveness of peaceful methods. But the bench remarked that Wangchuk had instead expressed worry about the same. In response, the counsel submitted that Wangchuk had used "hybrid expressions" in his speech. At this, the bench orally remarked that the Centre was reading "too much" into Wangchuk's statements.

Solicitor general Tushar Mehta informed the bench that the Centre and Leh administration have decided against releasing Wangchuk on health grounds. "He is fit, hale and hearty. He had some digestive issues; he is being treated. There is nothing to worry," He said, adding releasing him on health grounds "may not be desirable".