The Ladakh administration has rebutted allegations made by activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife regarding his detention under the National Security Act (NSA). In a submission to the Supreme Court, the administration asserted that due process had been followed, which included notifying Wangchuk about the grounds for his arrest and allowing him visits from family members while in custody.
Leh District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk, in an affidavit, stated that Wangchuk was not in solitary confinement and was deemed medically fit. The affidavit also highlighted that Wangchuk was receiving legal assistance to prepare his case for the advisory board reviewing his detention.
“The answering respondent denies the baseless allegations made in the petition which suggest that Sonam Wangchuk has been detained illegally and that he is being treated improperly during this detention. He has been lawfully detained under a lawful authority by way of an order under Section 3(2) of the NSA,” the affidavit stated.
Donk clarified that the order for Wangchuk’s detention was issued after careful examination of the evidence presented, reflecting the circumstances that warranted such action to protect state security and maintain public order.
Furthermore, it was stated that Wangchuk was informed of his detention and subsequent transfer to Jodhpur Central Jail, with the information promptly relayed to his wife, Geetanjali Angmo, through a police official.
The Jodhpur jail administration corroborated these claims in an affidavit, asserting that Wangchuk met with his chosen legal representative, as well as with his brother and wife. The affidavit emphasized that he was not in solitary confinement, enjoying all rights afforded to detainees under Rajasthan’s prison regulations.
It was reported that Wangchuk is in good health, consuming regular meals and maintaining a normal diet since his detention.
