The Central government has revoked the detention of Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Ministry of Home Affairs said the decision was taken with the aim of creating an atmosphere of peace, stability and mutual trust in Ladakh. The government noted that Wangchuk had already spent nearly half of the maximum detention period allowed under the preventive detention law.

The Centre also said it has been in regular discussions with stakeholders and community leaders in Ladakh to address the aspirations and concerns of people in the region.

At the same time, the government said that the ongoing bandhs and protests had disrupted normal life in Ladakh. According to the statement, several sections of society — including students, job aspirants, businesses, tour operators and tourists — had been affected by the situation.

The government added that discussions on Ladakh’s demands will continue through the High-Powered Committee set up to examine issues related to the region, along with other suitable platforms.

Earlier, the Centre had declined a suggestion made by the Supreme Court of India to release Wangchuk on health grounds.

Wangchuk was detained from Ladakh on September 26, 2025, and later lodged in a jail in Jodhpur. His detention came after protests and incidents of violence in the region linked to demands for statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule.

Meanwhile, a petition challenging his detention, filed by his wife Gitanjali Angmo, has been pending before the Supreme Court for the past six months. The plea was first heard on October 6, 2025.

During the hearings, the court raised questions about the video transcripts cited by the government against Wangchuk and even remarked that the detaining authority appeared to have read too much into his speeches.

However, the case has faced delays. Although arguments were completed last month, the matter remained pending after the Centre sought additional time to make submissions regarding the transcripts.

Last month, Angmo’s counsel, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, expressed concern over the delay and told the court that the matter could not go on indefinitely.

On March 10, a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and P. B. Varale said it would review the videos cited by the Centre before delivering its final decision.

The case was listed three times after the government sought time, but it had to be adjourned each time. It is now scheduled to be heard on March 17.