The Supreme Court on Thursday directed that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, currently detained under the National Security Act (NSA), be examined by a specialist doctor following complaints of stomach issues allegedly caused by contaminated water in Jodhpur Central Jail.
A Bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and P B Varale passed the order after senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali Angmo, sought urgent medical intervention. Sibal informed the court that Wangchuk had been experiencing stomach problems and that, despite repeated requests, no specialist had been provided.
“He has problems in his stomach because of the water. He has been wanting a doctor to check. But nobody comes. Let him have a weekly check. And let him have the water we provide,” Sibal submitted.
Responding to the allegations, counsel for the Rajasthan government said that Wangchuk had been examined 21 times by the jail doctor between September 26 and January 26. Additional Solicitor General K M Nataraj also submitted the latest medical report, stating that Wangchuk’s blood pressure and abdominal condition were normal and he had been prescribed Vitamin B12.
However, the court emphasized the need for a specialist’s opinion, particularly from a gastroenterologist, and recorded the state’s assurance that Wangchuk would be examined by a doctor from a government hospital. The medical report is to be submitted to the court in a sealed cover by Monday.
Wangchuk, 59, was arrested on September 26, 2025, under the NSA, two days after violent protests in Ladakh demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule led to the deaths of four persons and injuries to around 90 others. Authorities have accused him of inciting unrest.
The NSA allows preventive detention for up to 12 months in cases where authorities believe a person poses a threat to national security, public order, or the defense of India.
The court is expected to review Wangchuk’s medical condition further once the specialist report is submitted.
