“Last-Minute Twist! Centre Cancels Wangchuk Detention, SC Says ‘Nothing Left’”

Angel Rabiya Bhanushali
March 23, 2026

The Supreme Court on 23rd March, 2026 closed a habeas corpus petition filed by Gitanjali Angmo. She had challenged the detention of her husband, Sonam Wangchuk, under the National Security Act (NSA), saying it was illegal.

Detention Cancelled, Petition Closed:

A division bench of Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice PB Varale observed that the Union Government had cancelled the detention on March 14. Because of this, the petition had become infructuous. The judges orally noted that there was nothing left in the case to decide.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioner, initially sought the posting of the matter after vacation. However, he later insisted that the court should still hear the case on the merits of the detention order.

Responding to this, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta said, “I would request Mr. Sibal, let it be.”

Centre Explains Cancellation:

The Centre cancelled the detention on March 14,2026, observing that Wangchuk had already served almost half of the maximum period allowed for preventive detention under the NSA.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal challenged the detention on several grounds. He said that all the material relied upon to justify the detention had not been given to Wangchuk. There was also a dispute about whether videos of the allegedly inflammatory speeches were provided to him.

While the administration maintained that a pendrive containing the videos was handed over, the Court questioned whether he was actually given a fair chance to watch them.

Court Flags Issues in Speeches:

During the hearing, the Court also noted that the administration was "reading too much into" Wangchuk’s speeches. The bench pointed out inconsistencies in the translations of the speeches, following which Solicitor General Tushar Mehta sought to address the Court. The matter was thereafter adjourned multiple times, until the Centre ultimately revoked the detention.

The bench then disposed of the matter as infructuous.

Case Details: Gitanjali J. Angmo vs Union of India and Ors. (WP (Crl) No. 399/2025)