Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk Freed: Delhi Police Modifies Prohibitory Order!

The Delhi High Court was informed on Thursday by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been released from detention following the modification of a prohibitory order by the Delhi Police. The order, initially issued on September 30, prohibited gatherings of five or more people and protests in public areas from September 30 to October 5.

The bench, led by Chief Justice Manmohan and including Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, acknowledged the submissions and subsequently disposed of two petitions filed by Mustafa Haji and Azad, which challenged the prohibitory order and sought Wangchuk’s release.

However, Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing a third petitioner, raised concerns that Wangchuk and others were allegedly taken to Ambedkar Bhawan and were being prevented from proceeding to Jantar Mantar to raise awareness about climate issues. The court instructed the Delhi Police and the third petitioner to file affidavits regarding these claims.

The court was addressing public interest litigations (PILs) that sought the release of approximately 120 individuals from Ladakh, including Wangchuk, who had reportedly been detained at the Delhi border while trying to enter the capital to advocate for sixth schedule status for Ladakh.