The Supreme Court continued hearing the preventive detention plea filed by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, with Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal concluding his rejoinder submissions before a Bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and P.B. Varale.

Sr Adv Sibal challenged the validity of the detention order on multiple grounds, including alleged errors in translation of speeches relied upon by the detaining authority. He submitted that discrepancies were specifically pleaded but not addressed in the State’s counter affidavit.

A central issue during the hearing was the alleged non-supply of four videos forming the basis of the detention order. Sr Adv Sibal argued that although a pen drive was provided, the relevant video files were either not accessible or not properly opened before the detenue, thereby infringing his constitutional right to make an effective representation.

The Bench indicated that it would independently view the relevant video recordings, including a 40-minute videography of the interaction between police officials and the detenue, to resolve the factual dispute regarding supply and accessibility of material.

After hearing submissions, the Court listed the matter for further hearing on Monday, when proceedings are expected to continue following examination of the video evidence.