Sonam Wangchuk Released From Detention As Delhi Police Withdraws Prohibitory Order

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was released from detention on Thursday after the Delhi Police withdrew its prohibitory orders on public assembly.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Delhi High Court that the prohibitory order issued on September 30 had been withdrawn due to “changed circumstances” in a subsequent order dated October 2.

The court was hearing Public Interest Litigations (PILs) seeking the release of approximately 120 individuals from Ladakh, including Wangchuk, who had been detained at the Delhi border. These individuals were attempting to enter the capital peacefully to advocate for sixth schedule status for Ladakh, which would grant the region greater autonomy and rights.

The prohibitory order had restricted public gatherings of five or more people and protests in public areas until October 5.

A bench led by Chief Justice Manmohan, along with Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, subsequently disposed of two petitions filed by Mustafa Haji and Azad, which challenged the order and sought the release of Wangchuk and his associates.

However, Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing a third petitioner, alleged that Wangchuk and others were taken to Ambedkar Bhawan and detained there, despite the withdrawal of the order. Bhushan argued that the police had prevented the activists from reaching Jantar Mantar, where they intended to raise awareness about climate change issues.

The court directed both the Delhi Police and Bhushan to submit affidavits regarding their statements.