Delhi High Court Dismisses Plea Regarding Sonam Wangchuk's Protest Fast

The Delhi High Court dismissed a petition seeking permission for a peaceful protest by Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk after it became redundant following his withdrawal of the fast. Wangchuk had initiated the protest to demand Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh and to address environmental concerns. The petitioners argued that denying permission to protest at Jantar Mantar violated their fundamental rights. However, after discussions with authorities, Wangchuk ended his fast, and the court deemed the petition unnecessary.

Background of the Petition

Sonam Wangchuk, a renowned environmental activist from Ladakh, filed the petition in the Delhi High Court seeking permission to hold a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar. The protest aimed to raise awareness about the environmental degradation of Ladakh and to push for the implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which grants special protection and autonomy to tribal regions. The Delhi Police, however, rejected Wangchuk's application for the protest, citing security concerns. This denial led to the filing of the petition.

Denial of Protest and Legal Arguments

In the petition, Wangchuk and his associates claimed that the rejection of their protest request was a violation of their constitutional rights to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, guaranteed under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) of the Constitution. They argued that the protest was peaceful and aimed at addressing critical environmental and social issues. The protest also had symbolic importance, as it sought to highlight the vulnerabilities of Ladakh’s ecosystem in the face of climate change.

Withdrawal of the Fast

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Wangchuk had already withdrawn his fast following discussions with authorities. The fast, which was part of the broader "Delhi Chalo Padyatra" movement, began in Leh and was meant to culminate in Delhi. However, Wangchuk was detained at the Singhu Border, and his plans to march in Delhi were curtailed. The court was informed that since Wangchuk had ended his fast and the protest was no longer planned, the petition had become redundant.

Court’s Final Decision

Given the circumstances, the Delhi High Court dismissed the petition. The court noted that since the protest had been called off and the fast withdrawn, there was no need for further legal action. The petitioners did not press for further arguments, leading to the closure of the case. Although the immediate protest was halted, the issues raised by Wangchuk and the movement for Ladakh’s autonomy and environmental protection continue to hold significance, with ongoing efforts by the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance.

Conclusion

The Delhi High Court's dismissal of Sonam Wangchuk's petition marks the conclusion of the legal aspect of his planned protest, but the broader cause for Ladakh's environmental and social rights remains ongoing. This case highlighted the complex interplay between civil liberties, protest rights, and government security concerns.

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