In a significant development in the ongoing National Security Act (NSA) detention case, the Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed Ladakh social activist Sonam Wangchuk to share notes prepared against his detention with his wife, Dr. Gitanjali Angmo. The bench, comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria, adjourned the hearing to October 29 after the petitioner’s counsel expressed the desire to amend the petition.
“The detainee has prepared certain notes and the same are required to be shared with the petitioner (wife),” the Court noted in its order, marking a step toward ensuring legal access for Wangchuk.
Background
Wangchuk, known for his activism in Ladakh, is reportedly lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail under the NSA. His wife, Dr. Angmo, filed a writ petition under Article 32 seeking his release, claiming that the detention lacked proper legal grounds. The petition names the Union Government, Ladakh Administration, and the Jodhpur Jail Superintendent as respondents.
Earlier hearings highlighted procedural issues, with Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal pointing out that Wangchuk was not allowed to share notes with his legal counsel or wife. These notes are crucial for preparing a legal challenge against his detention. The Union Government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, had no objection to the sharing of notes but cautioned against using any delay in providing grounds of detention as a separate legal challenge.
Court’s Observations
During the proceedings, Sibal clarified: “He has made certain notes on the detention which he wanted to pass to the lawyer for his wife. Whatever notes he prepares, he is entitled to the assistance of the lawyer.”
SG Mehta responded that while there was no objection to the notes being shared, “delay of two days in making representation is a valid ground for challenging,” cautioning that this procedural delay should not become a tool to contest the detention itself. He further explained that Wangchuk had requested a laptop to prepare these notes effectively.
The Court noted both submissions and stressed that it was not expressing any opinion on the legal implications of these notes at this stage. “Placing the submission by learned Solicitor General, we direct this matter to be relisted on 29 October,” the order read.
Decision
The Supreme Court allowed Wangchuk to share the notes with his wife and adjourned the case until October 29, enabling the petitioner to amend the petition with additional grounds and reliefs. No opinion was expressed regarding the legal effect of the notes, keeping the issue open for future hearings.
The matter remains under close watch as the Court balances detainee rights with national security concerns, signaling careful judicial oversight in sensitive NSA cases.
Case Title: Gitanjali J. Angmo v. Union of India & Ors
Writ Petition Number: W.P.(Crl.) No. 399/2025
Petitioner: Dr. Gitanjali J. Angmo
Respondents: Union of India, Ladakh Administration, Superintendent of Jodhpur Central Jail