Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk, His Associates From Ladakh Released And Set Free: SGI Tushar Mehta Tells Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court on Thursday was informed that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and his associates from Ladakh, who were allegedly detained while marching towards the national capital for raising certain demands, have been released and set free.

The submission was made by SGI Tushar Mehta before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela.

SGI, who appeared on advance notice, on instructions stated that Wangchuk and his associates have been set free and their movements are not restricted.

He further informed the Court that the prohibitory order issued by the Commissioner of Delhi Police on September 30, which prohibited the assembly of five or more persons and dharnas in any public area from September 30 to October 05, has been withdrawn vide order dated October 02.

In view of the submission, the court disposed of two petitions filed by Mustafa Haji and Azad seeking the release of Wangchuk and his associates.

Advocate Vikram Hegde appearing for Haji admitted that the individuals have been set free.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan also appeared for a third petitioner, however, the file of the said case was not before the Bench during the hearing. He said that as per his instructions, certain individuals were taken to Ambedkar Bhawan and they are restrained there.

“They wanted to go to Jantar Mantar to raise climate awareness etc but they are not allowed to do that,” he said.

However, SGI repeated his instructions and said that the individuals have been set free.

After listing of the petition filed by a lawyer who was part of the march, Bhushan submitted that Wangchuk is not fully free and that there was restriction in his movement. He also said that Wangchuk and his associates have been kept at different locations. The claim was strongly refuted by SGI Tushar Mehta.

The court then asked Bhushan to file an affidavit to back his submission, stating that Wangchuk and others have not been released yet. It also asked SGI to file an affidavit through a police official stating on record that the individuals have been set free.

The matter will be heard tomorrow.

The climate activist was leading the march called “Delhi Chalo Padyatra” which began in Leh last month. He was detained at Singhu Border on the night of September 30, along with 120 other people from Ladakh.

The march was organised by the Leh Apex Body (LAB). LAB, along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), has been leading an agitation to demand statehood for Ladakh.

Title: Mustafa Haji v. Union of India and other connected matter 

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Del) 1093