High Court To Hear Plea Challenging Climate Activist's Detention

A PIL has been filed in the Delhi High Court challenging the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk by the Delhi Police. The petitioner seeks the release of detained individuals and the setting aside of the prohibitory order imposed on the marchers demanding Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh.

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court challenging the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk by the Delhi Police while he was marching toward Delhi, demanding Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. The plea, moved by Haji Mustafa through Advocate Vikram Hegde, also seeks the release of individuals associated with the Kargil Democratic Alliance, detained at the Singhu Border.

The bench, led by Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, declined to hear the matter immediately but agreed to hear it on October 3, 2024, provided the petitioner submits all required documents by 3:30 PM on Tuesday. The plea seeks court directions for the release of social activist Sonam Wangchuk and others detained while marching alongside him.

The petition aims for the release of Kargil Democratic Alliance members and others detained at the Singhu Border. It also seeks to set aside the prohibitory order dated September 30, 2024, presumably related to the restrictions that led to these detentions.

Sonam Wangchuk was leading the 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra,' a march that began from Leh a month ago. He, along with around 120 others from Ladakh, was detained on the night of Monday, September 30, 2024.

Organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) in coordination with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), the march has been at the forefront of an agitation for the past four years. Another plea has also been filed in the Delhi High Court, requesting permission for the petitioner and others to peacefully enter Delhi and conduct an environmental awareness march, which is scheduled to conclude at Rajghat on October 2, 2024.

The petitioner, Azad, through Advocate Kamlesh Kumar Mishra, also seeks the issuance of a writ of Certiorari to quash and set aside the prohibitory order dated September 30, 2024, issued by the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, which restricted the entry and activities of the marchers. This plea aligns with similar petitions challenging the restrictions and detentions placed on individuals participating in peaceful protests, including those led by Sonam Wangchuk and the Kargil Democratic Alliance.

(With inputs from agencies.)