Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was detained at Delhi’s Singhu border, has been released, the Centre told the Delhi High Court on Thursday. Wangchuk was held on the night of September 30 for violating prohibitory orders issued by the Delhi Police.
The Delhi High Court, led by Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, took note of the recent order from the Delhi Police that withdrew the prohibitory restrictions initially imposed on September 30.
These restrictions had prohibited the gathering of five or more people, as well as the carrying of firearms, banners, or other items, and also restricted protests or demonstrations in several parts of Delhi, including New Delhi, North, and Central districts, as well as all state borders of Delhi, until October 5.
The Solicitor General (SG) of India, Tushar Mehta, who represented the Centre, informed the High Court that the prohibitory orders had been withdrawn on October 2. The court subsequently disposed of the petitions seeking the release of Wangchuk and his supporters.
Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known climate activist, along with more than 100 supporters from Ladakh, had travelled to Delhi to demand Sixth Schedule Status for the Union Territory.
The group was seeking to secure law-making powers for the local population to protect Ladakh’s cultural identity and resources. They believe that this special status would help preserve the unique culture of Ladakh and allow local people to have more control over their land and governance.
The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides special protections and autonomy to certain tribal areas in India. It ensures that these communities have a significant degree of self-governance, which is crucial for maintaining their cultural heritage and natural resources.
Earlier on Thursday, the matter was also brought before the Supreme Court. Senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy had urgently mentioned the plea challenging the prohibitory orders before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud. The Solicitor General reiterated that the Delhi Police’s prohibitory order had been revoked.
The petition challenging the prohibitory order was filed by the priest of the Kalkaji temple, who argued that the police order would have a chilling effect on the rights of citizens, particularly during the Navratri celebrations.
The restrictions on assembly and movement had raised concerns among many citizens, especially those wishing to celebrate the festival, which is of significant cultural importance.
Sonam Wangchuk’s release comes as a relief to his supporters and the people of Ladakh, who have been demanding greater autonomy and protections for their region.
Wangchuk, a prominent advocate for sustainable development in Ladakh, has long been vocal about the need to preserve the region’s fragile environment and cultural heritage.
He has consistently emphasised that the local population should have a significant say in the governance of Ladakh, particularly in decisions related to land and resource management.
The activist’s detention had led to widespread criticism, with many viewing it as an attempt to suppress the legitimate demands of the people of Ladakh. The withdrawal of prohibitory orders and Wangchuk’s release are seen as positive steps, allowing the conversation around Ladakh’s future to continue without the specter of undue restrictions.
The demand for Sixth Schedule Status for Ladakh is rooted in the region’s unique cultural and geographical characteristics. With a predominantly tribal population, Ladakh has distinct traditions and a lifestyle that is closely linked to its environment.
The inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule would ensure that the region’s people have a greater say in its governance and development, helping to safeguard their culture and way of life.
Wangchuk and his supporters argue that the current governance structure does not provide enough protection for Ladakh’s interests. Since the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, Ladakh has been administered as a Union Territory, but many locals feel that their concerns are not being adequately addressed. The demand for Sixth Schedule Status is aimed at ensuring that local voices are heard and that the unique needs of the region are met.
The Centre’s decision to release Wangchuk and withdraw the prohibitory orders comes after considerable public outcry and legal challenges. It reflects the importance of balancing law and order with the fundamental rights of citizens, including the right to peaceful assembly and protest.
The ongoing debate over Ladakh’s future is not just about political autonomy; it also concerns environmental sustainability and cultural preservation. Ladakh is one of the most ecologically fragile regions in India, and its development needs to be carefully managed to avoid long-term damage.
Wangchuk has been an outspoken advocate for environmentally sustainable practices, urging the government to adopt policies that protect Ladakh’s delicate ecosystem.
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