New Delhi, The Center on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has undergone 24 medical examinations since her detention and that she is “fit, healthy and hearty” and there is nothing to worry about.
Wangchuk’s condition is nothing to worry about, he cannot be discharged due to health reasons: Center tells SCSolicitor General Tushar Mehta told a bench of Justices Arvind Kumar and PB Bharal that the basis on which Wangchuk’s detention order was issued and his release would not be possible due to health reasons.
“We have checked his health periodically 24 times. He is fit, healthy and hearty. He had some digestive issues, he is being treated. Nothing to worry, nothing to worry about. We cannot make exceptions like that.
“The basis on which the detention order was issued, continues. It will not be possible to release him on health grounds. It may not even be desirable. We have taken the utmost consideration,” Mehta told the bench.
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj submitted that Wangchuk was a major instigator of the violent protests and had incited the youth with examples of Nepal and the Arab Spring.
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Nataraj said that Wangchuk mentioned the violent movement in Nepal and said that the same thing could happen in India.
At this point, the bench asked, “Where is he saying? He is saying they have taken it. He is surprised himself.”
The ASG replied that the statement had to be conjectured.
“Please come to the next ground. He says deployment of armed forces in Ladakh is unfortunate. He says youth says peaceful method has not proved effective,” Natraj said.
The bench then observed, “He is saying that youths are saying this. Read the full sentence. He is saying it is something to worry about. If someone expresses that violent method is not the right way. You are reading too much.”
The top court was hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali Angmo seeking to declare his detention illegal under the National Security Act, 1980.
The NSA empowers the Center and states to detain individuals to prevent conduct “prejudicial to India’s defence”. The maximum detention period is 12 months, although it can be revoked earlier.
Angmo said the unfortunate incidents of violence in Leh on September 24 last year could in no way be attributed to Wangchuck’s actions or statements.
Wangchuk himself condemned the violence through his social media handles and categorically stated that the violence would lead to the “penance” of Ladakh and the failure of the five-year peaceful pursuit, Angmo said, adding that it was the saddest day of his life.
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