The Delhi High Court on Friday concluded a legal petition following the release of renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and other detainees, confirming their freedom from custody earlier that day. The petition for habeas corpus, initiated by advocate Rajneesh Kumar Sharma and represented by Senior Advocate Prashant Bhushan, challenged the detention of Wangchuk and others, asserting their release had not been properly communicated.
During the proceedings before Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, Bhushan contested previous claims by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, asserting that despite announcements, restrictions on the detainees were lifted only on Friday morning. This development came after Mehta insisted on Thursday that all detainees had already been released.
Chief Justice Manmohan noted his observation of Wangchuk’s interview on television the previous night, suggesting the activist’s unrestricted status. However, Bhushan pushed for the petition to remain active to scrutinize the manner and timing of the prohibitory orders under which the detentions were initially justified. He highlighted concerns over the nonchalant issuance and subsequent withdrawal of these orders right before judicial review, and the detainment period that extended nearly three days without judicial oversight.
Despite these arguments, Solicitor General Mehta, participating via video conference, along with the bench, favored closing the matter. The court thus decided to dispose of the plea, acknowledging the detainees’ release and the withdrawal of the contested prohibitory orders on October 2.
