Sonam Wangchuk and Kargil Democratic Alliance Detained During ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatra’
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court challenging the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk by the Delhi Police. He was detained while marching towards Delhi to demand Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh.
The plea, moved by Haji Mustafa through Advocate Vikram Hegde, also seeks the release of individuals associated with the Kargil Democratic Alliance, who have been detained at the Singhu Border. The bench, led by Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, declined to hear the matter immediately but agreed to hear it on October 3, 2024, provided the petitioner submits all the required documents by 3:30 PM on Tuesday.
The plea seeks court directions to release social activist Sonam Wangchuk and others who were detained while marching alongside him. It also asks the court to set aside the prohibitory order dated September 30, 2024, which is presumably related to the restrictions that led to the detention of these individuals.
Sonam Wangchuk was leading the ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatra,’ a march that began from Leh a month ago. He, along with around 120 others from Ladakh, was detained on the night of Monday, September 30, 2024. The march was organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) in coordination with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), both of which have been at the forefront of an agitation for the past four years.
An additional plea has been filed in the Delhi High Court, requesting permission for the petitioner and others to peacefully enter Delhi and conduct an environmental awareness march, which is scheduled to conclude at Rajghat on October 2, 2024. This plea, moved by Azad through Advocate Kamlesh Kumar Mishra, also seeks to quash and set aside the prohibitory order dated September 30, 2024, issued by the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, which has restricted the entry and activities of the marchers.
This plea aligns with similar petitions challenging the restrictions and detentions placed on individuals participating in peaceful protests, including those led by Sonam Wangchuk and the Kargil Democratic Alliance.
Doubts Revealed
Sonam Wangchuk -: Sonam Wangchuk is a famous engineer and climate activist from Ladakh, India. He is known for his innovative work in education and sustainable development.
Kargil Democratic Alliance -: The Kargil Democratic Alliance is a group of people from Kargil, a region in Ladakh, who work together to address local issues and represent the interests of their community.
Detained -: Detained means being held or kept in custody by the police or authorities, usually because they think you might have done something wrong or to prevent you from doing something.
Delhi Chalo Padyatra -: Delhi Chalo Padyatra is a march or walk towards Delhi, often done to protest or demand something from the government. ‘Chalo’ means ‘let’s go’ and ‘Padyatra’ means ‘journey on foot’.
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) -: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a legal action taken in court to protect the public interest. It allows ordinary people to seek justice on issues that affect the community or society.
Delhi High Court -: The Delhi High Court is a high-level court in India that deals with legal cases in the Delhi region. It is one of the important courts in the country.
Sixth Schedule status -: Sixth Schedule status refers to special provisions in the Indian Constitution that give certain regions more autonomy and control over their own affairs, especially in tribal areas.
Prohibitory order -: A prohibitory order is an official command that stops people from doing certain activities, like gathering in large groups, to maintain law and order.