Sonam Wangchuk's Health Is Fine, Getting Best Treatment : Union Tells Supreme Court

The Supreme Court today(February 9) was orally informed by the Union Government that no progress has been made in reviewing the detention of Ladakh social activist Sonam Wangchuk, as he is in a "perfectly good" condition and is getting the best of the treatment in AIIMS Jodhpur, which he could not have gotten had he been in Ladakh. The Court, seemingly disappointed with the answer, reiterated the concern of Wangchuk's deteriorating health.

It may be recalled that the Court is hearing a habeas corpus petition, filed by Dr Gitanjali Angmo seeking to declare the detention of her husband, Sonam Wangchuk, under the National Security Act, 1980, as illegal.

Before a bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice PB Varale was to rise for lunch, Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj sought an adjournment as he is engaged in another matter to be taken up post lunch. The bench was supposed to hear the matter at 2 pm.

At ASG's request, Justice Kumar orally stated that previously, as well, the matter had been adjourned due to the Union's request and last Friday, the Court could not take up the matter as the bench was cancelled. Then Justice Kumar asked if any progress had been made at the Court's request to review Wangchuk's detention in light of his deteriorating health.

"What happened? Any progress? Has it been done?" Justice Kumar asked.

"I will submit...No, nothing has been done," ASG responded.

One of the counsels from the petitioner's legal team, who were present, said that it's high time they should be reconsidering his detention as Wangchuk continues to be unwell. 

Justice Varale said: "That's what we said on the last occasion we made a suggestion."

On February 4, Justice Varale had asked Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj to seek instructions from the Union Government on whether it could review the detention, given that Wangchuk has already spent five months in detention. 

This comes after Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal (representing Angmo) recently moved an application seeking that a specialist doctor examine Wangchuk, as he had frequently complained of stomachache, possibly due to contaminated water. Pursuant to the Court's order, Wangchuk was reportedly examined by doctors at AIIMS Jodhpur, and a report was submitted to the Court.

ASG Nataraj responded that Wangchuk's health is "perfectly good".and he is getting best of the treatment in AIIMS Jodhpur.

"There are issues, and its not like you are not denying it, and he is also making a complaint of health issues. The doctor says yes, it is there, and now treatment is being provided. Admittedly, the health issue is there, and last day itself we made [the request]," Justice Varale orally remarked.

ASG said: "So far, the health issue is concerned, rather than being in Ladakh, Jaipur is the best place...There is AIIMS in Rajasthan, whereas in Ladakh, there would have been nothing."

"No, no you can't say that." Justice Varale responded.

ASG Nataraj asked that the matter be taken sometime after tomorrow. "This is habeas corpus. Nataraj, you should understand and seea  habeas corpus petition, you can't say that. On Friday, we could not take it.." Justice Kumar averred.

However, the Court allowed the matter to be taken up on Wednesday, stating that no further adjournments will be granted.

Case Details: GITANJALI J. ANGMO v UNION OF INDIA AND ORS|W.P.(Crl.) No. 399/2025

The writ petition has been filed by Advocate on Record, Dr Sarvam Ritam Khare