New Delhi, Oct 3: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was released from detention on Thursday after the Delhi Police retracted its prohibitory orders on public assembly. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Delhi High Court that the order, originally issued on September 30, was revoked due to “changed circumstances” in a follow-up order dated October 2.
The court was reviewing Public Interest Litigations (PILs) regarding the release of around 120 individuals from Ladakh, including Wangchuk, who had been held at the Delhi border while attempting to peacefully enter the capital. The group sought sixth schedule status for Ladakh, which would provide the region with greater autonomy and rights.
The initial order had prohibited public gatherings of five or more people and demonstrations in public spaces until October 5. After the order was lifted, a bench led by Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela dismissed two petitions from Mustafa Haji and Azad that contested the initial order and sought the release of Wangchuk and his fellow activists.
However, Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing another petitioner, claimed that despite the order’s withdrawal, Wangchuk and others were taken to Ambedkar Bhawan and detained there, hindering their efforts to reach Jantar Mantar for climate change awareness.
The court instructed both the Delhi Police and Bhushan to submit affidavits concerning their claims. This incident underscores the ongoing conflict between climate activists and government authorities in India.
