Today, On 3rd October, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Delhi High Court that Sonam Wangchuk and his associates have been released without any restrictions on their movements. This clarification comes after concerns raised regarding their detention. The release marks a positive development in the case, alleviating doubts surrounding their freedom of movement.
New Delhi: The Centre informed the Delhi High Court on Thursday that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who detained on the night of September 30 at Singhu border for violating prohibitory orders, has been released by the Delhi Police.
A bench led by Chief Justice Manmohan acknowledged the Delhi Police’s decision to withdraw the prohibitory orders issued on September 30.
These orders, which have since been rescinded, had restricted gatherings of five or more unauthorized persons, prohibited the carrying of firearms, banners, placards, lathis, and banned picketing or dharnas in public areas across districts of New Delhi, North and Central Delhi, as well as all state borders, until October 5.
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In its judicial order, the bench, also comprising Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, recorded,
“Learned Solicitor General, who appears on advance notice, states that the impugned order dated September 30 passed by the Commissioner of Police has been withdrawn vide order dated October 2, a photocopy of which has also been placed on the record.”
In light of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta’s submission, the Delhi High Court disposed of the petitions seeking the release of Wangchuk and his supporters.
The Solicitor General of India (SGI), appearing on advance notice, stated,
“Sonam Wangchuk and his associates have been released, with no restrictions on their movements.”
Wangchuk and over 100 people from Ladakh were on their way to the capital to demand Sixth Schedule Status for the Union Territory, seeking law-making powers for the local population to protect their land and cultural identity.
The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution grants special protections and autonomy to designated tribal areas in India, ensuring the preservation of their culture and enabling them to manage their own resources.
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Earlier in the day, Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta made a similar statement before a bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud. This followed senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy’s mention of a plea challenging the prohibitory orders, requesting an urgent hearing. SG Mehta informed the bench that the prohibitory orders issued by the Delhi Police Commissioner had been withdrawn.
The petition, brought before the Supreme Court by the priest of the renowned Kalkaji temple, argued that the police’s prohibitory order would have a “chilling effect” on the rights of the petitioner, along with numerous other citizens participating in Navratri celebrations.