Delhi Police response sought on plea seeking nod to Sonam Wangchuk's protest

The court issued a notice to the police and directed them to submit a response by October 16, with a follow-up hearing set for October 22.

In Short

• Delhi High Court seeks police response on protest plea
• Pleas challenge denial of protest permission
• Solicitor General Tushar Mehta requests more time for response

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought a response from the Delhi Police on a plea seeking permission for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and his associates from Ladakh to hold a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar. The plea was filed by Apex Body Leh, an organisation which initiated the march.

The court issued a notice to the police and directed them to submit a response by October 16, with a follow-up hearing set for October 22.

The plea comes in response to a letter from the Delhi Police Commissioner, dated October 5, which denied permission for the protest. The petitioners argued that their right to peacefully assemble and protest had been unjustly rejected.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Delhi Police, requested more time to file a detailed response, stating, “There is no urgency in the matter.” The court accepted the request, but emphasised the need for a timely response.

Earlier this month, the Solicitor General had informed the court that Sonam Wangchuk and his associates were free to move and that their activities were not being restricted.

The court had also recorded that a prohibitory order issued on September 30, which barred public gatherings, had been withdrawn. The Solicitor General reassured the court, saying, “As long as they don’t breach any laws, they are free. If they do, then we can take the necessary action.”