Today, On 1st October, A public interest litigation filed in the Delhi High Court challenging the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and others at the Delhi border. The petitioner’s counsel mentioned the case before a bench comprising Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela.
New Delhi: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Delhi High Court challenging the detention of Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and others.
The PIL presented for urgent listing before a bench led by Chief Justice Manmohan. However, the court did not address the matter immediately as it was preoccupied with full bench hearings on that day.
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In addition to seeking the release of Sonam Wangchuk and others, the plea also requests that the activists be allowed to enter Delhi to peacefully raise their demands. The petition specifically asks the court to
“Permit the group of persons, including senior citizens, led by Mr. Sonam Wangchuk to assemble peacefully in a designated area.”
The petition seeks the release of Sonam Wangchuk and his fellow activists, who were detained during a peaceful march. Wangchuk, known for his environmental work in Ladakh, along with several volunteers, had embarked on a foot march from Leh to New Delhi starting on September 1, 2024.
The march aimed to press the central government to resume dialogue with Ladakhi leadership on their key demands, particularly regarding the region’s political representation and environmental concerns.
The Delhi High Court agreed to hear the case on October 3, 2024, on the condition that the petitioner submits all necessary documents by 3:30 PM today.
Climate activist Wangchuk and a group of volunteers began a foot march from Leh to New Delhi on September 1, urging the central government to resume dialogue with Ladakh’s leadership regarding their demands. Before being detained, Wangchuk shared on the microblogging platform ‘X,’ saying,
“I am being detained along with 150 padyatris at Delhi Border, by a police force of 100s, some say 1000. Many elderly men & women in their 80s and few dozen Army veterans…Our fate is unknown.”
One of their key demands is for Ladakh to be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which would grant law-making powers to the local population to help protect their land and cultural identity. They are also calling for separate Lok Sabha seats for the Leh and Kargil districts.
This PIL reflects growing concerns over the handling of peaceful protests and the detention of activists in India, especially when the issues raised pertain to significant regional matters like Ladakh’s political future and environmental protection.
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Wangchuk, a prominent figure in Ladakh, has long been advocating for sustainable development in the region and greater autonomy for Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which would provide special protection to its unique cultural and environmental landscape.
Sonam Wangchuk a renowned engineer, innovator, and environmentalist from Ladakh, India, best known for his innovative approach to education, sustainable development, and climate activism. He gained widespread recognition for his role in improving the education system in remote areas of Ladakh, particularly through his founding of the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) in 1988. The organization focuses on reforming the region’s education system, offering practical, hands-on learning experiences that cater to the local environment and needs.
Wangchuk is also known for his environmental activism and sustainable innovations, particularly in the field of water conservation and renewable energy. One of his most notable contributions is the “Ice Stupa” project, which involves creating artificial glaciers to address water shortages in the region.