On Thursday, the Delhi High Court was informed that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and his associates from Ladakh, who were reportedly detained while marching toward the national capital to advocate for specific demands, have been released.

This update was presented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta before a division bench that included Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela.

SGI, who appeared on advance notice, stated that Sonam Wangchuk and his associates have been released, and their movements are no longer restricted. He further informed the Court that the prohibitory order issued by the Commissioner of Delhi Police on September 30, which barred gatherings of five or more people and dharnas in public areas from September 30 to October 5, has been revoked as of October 2.

In light of this submission, the court dismissed two petitions filed by Mustafa Haji and Azad seeking the release of Wangchuk and his associates. Advocate Vikram Hegde, representing Haji, confirmed that the individuals have indeed been released.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, who appeared for a third petitioner, noted that the case file was not before the Bench during the hearing. He mentioned that certain individuals had been taken to Ambedkar Bhawan, where they were being restrained. “They wanted to go to Jantar Mantar to raise climate awareness, but they are not allowed to do that,” he stated. However, SGI reiterated his instructions, emphasizing that the individuals have been set free.

Since the case file was unavailable, the bench indicated that it would address the matter later after the case was properly listed.

Wangchuk was leading the “Delhi Chalo Padyatra,” which began in Leh last month. He was detained at Singhu Border on the night of September 30, along with 120 others from Ladakh. The march was organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), which, along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), has been advocating for statehood for Ladakh.

Case Title: Mustafa Haji v. Union of India and other connected matter