Delhi HC Scraps 3rd Plea Concerning Sonam Wangchuk’s Detention

The Delhi High Court on Friday disposed of the 3rd plea concerning Sonam Wangchuk’s detention following his release.

Chief Justice Manmohan noted that he had seen an interview with Wangchuk, indicating that he was not in detention. The judge suggested dismissing the petition since the primary issue had been resolved.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Delhi Police, argued that the petition lacked substance. Advocate Prashant Bhushan concurred and requested permission to withdraw it. The court granted this request and officially dismissed the petition.

Earlier, two petitions regarding Wangchuk’s detention were also resolved on Thursday. Solicitor General Mehta informed the court that Wangchuk had been released, and the prohibitory order from the Delhi Police had been modified and lifted.

During Thursday’s hearing, Bhushan, representing another petitioner, claimed that certain individuals, including Wangchuk, had been taken to Ambedkar Bhawan and were currently being restrained there. In response, the court scheduled a follow-up for Friday, directing both the Delhi Police and the petitioner to file affidavits regarding these claims.

After Mehta’s submissions on Thursday, the bench, which included Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, dismissed two petitions filed by Mustafa Haji and Azad. These petitions challenged the prohibitory order and sought the release of Wangchuk and his associates.

The court was addressing Public Interest Litigations (PILs) that aimed for the release of around 120 individuals from Ladakh, including climate activist Wangchuk. These individuals reportedly been detained by police at the Delhi border while attempting to peacefully enter the capital to advocate for sixth schedule status for Ladakh.

The court’s decisions reflect an acknowledgment of the activists’ rights to assembly and advocacy while ensuring that legal procedures are upheld.