Why Sonam Wangchuk Can't be Released from Jail? Here's What Centre Told Supreme Court

The Centre on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that detained climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is “fit, hale and hearty” and cannot be released on medical grounds. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and PB Varale that Wangchuk has undergone 24 medical examinations since being taken into custody and that there is “nothing alarming” about his condition.“We have examined his health periodically for 24 times. He is fit, hale and hearty. He had some digestive issue, he is being treated. There is nothing to worry, nothing alarming. We can't make exceptions like this,” Mehta told the court, as quoted by PTI. He added, “The grounds on which the detention order was passed, continues. It will not be possible to release him

on health grounds. It may not be desirable also. We have given utmost consideration.”Wangchuk is being held under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980, which allows authorities to detain individuals to prevent them from acting in a manner considered “prejudicial to the defence of India.” The law permits detention for up to 12 months, though it can be revoked earlier.

During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj argued that Wangchuk was a “chief provocateur” in violent protests and had instigated youths by citing examples such as Nepal and the Arab Spring. He said Wangchuk referred to unrest in Nepal and suggested that “the same thing can happen in India.”The bench questioned that interpretation, asking, “Where does he say that? He is saying they (the youth) have taken it. He himself is surprised.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e5vdr-CXFE

When Nataraj said the statement should be inferred, the bench responded, “He is saying that the youth is saying that. Read the complete sentence. He is saying this is something worrying. If somebody expresses that violent method is not the proper way. You are doing too much of reading.”The court was hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, who has challenged his detention as illegal. She argued that violence in Leh on September 24 last year cannot be linked to Wangchuk’s actions or statements and said he had publicly condemned the unrest.