SC allows Wangchuk's wife to amend petition, challenge detention grounds
New Delhi, Oct. 16 -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, to amend her petition after she expressed her intention to challenge the grounds of detention cited by the Ladakh administration to justify her husband's arrest under the National Security Act (NSA) last month.
A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria permitted Angmo's counsel, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, to amend her plea so that it could address the government's explanation for the detention. The case will now be heard on October 29.
"I will amend it so that the matter can continue here," Sibal told the bench, referring to the affidavit filed by the district magistrate (DM) of Leh, who claimed that Sonam Wangchuk's detention was lawful and procedurally sound.
The bench recorded the submission and adjourned the case, even as Sibal expressed concern that Wangchuk was not being allowed to exchange certain notes related to his detention with his wife.
Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said he had no objection to such communication. "He has had consultation with his lawyer twice. Additionally, if he wants to share (notes) with his wife, we have no problem."
However, the SG added a caveat that the exchange should not later be used to allege procedural delays in making representations against the detention.
As the hearing drew to a close, the court wished Wangchuk good health. "We also wish him (the same)," Mehta responded.
Wangchuk, a Ramon Magsaysay award winner, was arrested from Leh on September 26 and is currently lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail....
To read the full article or to get the complete feed from this publication, please
Contact Us.