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A wave of public interest is stirring in the Delhi High Court as a PIL (Public Interest Litigation) has been filed, demanding the release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and over 120 individuals from Ladakh. These individuals were detained at the Singhu Border, where they were engaged in a peaceful march towards Delhi to advocate for the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The PIL, filed by Advocate Vikram Hegde, was presented before a division bench consisting of Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela. The court is scheduled to hear the matter on October 3. The plea vehemently calls for the revocation of the prohibitory order issued by Delhi Police on September 30, which effectively barred the group from entering the capital.
The group, spearheaded by Wangchuk, had embarked on the “Delhi Chalo Padyatra” from Leh, aiming to peacefully bring their demands to the forefront. Their key demands include the granting of statehood for Ladakh, the establishment of a dedicated public service commission, and the allocation of separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil.
Adding to the legal battle, another petition has been filed by a participant of the march, seeking permission for a peaceful environmental awareness march in Delhi, culminating at Rajghat on October 2. This petition also echoes the call for the lifting of restrictions and emphasizes the right to peaceful assembly.
The detention of the group follows the imposition of prohibitory orders by Delhi Police under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) at various locations in Delhi for six days. This action was taken based on intelligence reports suggesting that certain elements may disrupt peace in the first week of October.
Section 163 of the BNSS (formerly section 144 of CrPc) imposes restrictions on various activities, including unauthorized gatherings of five or more people, carrying firearms, banners, placards, and other potential weapons, and holding protests or dharnas in public areas.
The official order issued by Commissioner Sanjay Arora states that multiple organizations had planned protests, demonstrations, and campaigns in Delhi between September 30 and October 5, prompting the implementation of these measures.
Source: Plea filed in Delhi HC for release of Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk detained at Singhu border