New Delhi, October 14, 2025: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, currently detained under the National Security Act (NSA), is not lodged in solitary confinement and enjoys all the rights available to a detenu, the superintendent of Jodhpur Central Jail informed the Supreme Court on Tuesday. Wangchuk is detained in the Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan following violent protests in Ladakh earlier this year.

Jail Conditions and Health Status

In an affidavit filed before the apex court, the Jodhpur jail superintendent clarified that Wangchuk is medically sound and physically fit, with no chronic health issues. He is housed in a Standard Barrack in the General Ward, measuring 20 feet by 20 feet, and is currently the sole occupant of this barrack. The affidavit emphasized:

“In the interest of clarity, it is specifically stated that the detenu is not in a solitary confinement as he is entitled to all rights available to the detenues.”

The superintendent added that Wangchuk has been consuming a normal diet every day since his detention and continues to enjoy the privileges and access accorded to other detenues under the Rajasthan Prison Rules, 2022.

Visitation Rights

The affidavit addressed concerns raised by Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, who had approached the Supreme Court challenging her husband’s detention under the NSA and seeking his immediate release.

According to the jail administration, the Prison Rules stipulate that NSA detenues cannot meet visitors without the presence of a local police officer familiar with the facts of the case. To ensure compliance with visitation rights, the jail authorities have arranged for local police personnel to be present during Wangchuk’s meetings with visitors.

“The Jail Administration has taken all possible measures to ensure that the detenu can interact with visitors and that his rights under the Prison Rules are not compromised in any manner,” the affidavit stated.

Background of Detention

Wangchuk was detained under the stringent NSA on September 26, 2025, two days after violent protests in Ladakh demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status left four people dead and 90 injured. The government has accused him of inciting the violence.

The National Security Act allows the Centre and state governments to detain individuals to prevent acts considered “prejudicial to the defence of India” or likely to disturb public order. Under the law, a detention can last up to 12 months, though it may be revoked earlier at the authorities’ discretion.

The Supreme Court is currently considering the plea filed by Wangchuk’s wife, seeking immediate release and questioning the legality of his detention under the NSA.