The Ladakh administration has directed Sonam Wangchuk’s Desert Flower School to suspend its activities until the High Court delivers its final verdict. The directive applies to the school operating under the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL) in Phyang, Leh. Authorities issued the instruction while the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh examines a dispute involving the institute. The administration wants HIAL to maintain the existing situation until the court concludes the proceedings. The order effectively prevents the institution from continuing educational activities during the pending litigation. Officials have also warned the institute against taking steps that could affect the ongoing judicial proceedings. The development follows a dispute over government-allotted land and the institute’s educational operations. The administration has linked the suspension directly to the pending court case. Consequently, the school must remain inactive until the court provides further directions or delivers its final judgment.
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Ladakh Administration Cites Pending Court Case, Orders School to Maintain Status Quo
The Tehsildar’s office in Leh issued the notice on November 1 and addressed it to Gitanjali J Angmo. Angmo, who serves as HIAL’s co-founder and chief executive officer, is also Sonam Wangchuk’s wife. The notice stated that officials had received information about educational classes and other activities. According to the administration, the school had begun these activities without securing necessary permissions. Authorities specifically referred to the absence of requisite consent, clearances, and approvals from competent departments. Officials subsequently raised concerns regarding the institution’s commencement of operations. The administration also mentioned an earlier communication dated September 22. In that communication, Angmo had requested a no-objection certificate for proposed members of the school’s managing committee. The authorities considered these developments while issuing the latest direction. The notice forms part of the administration’s response to the institute’s activities amid the continuing legal dispute.
The dispute primarily concerns the administration’s cancellation of land previously allotted to HIAL. The cancelled allotment reportedly covered 1,076 kanals, equivalent to approximately 134.5 acres. The land allocation also included one marla, measuring approximately 270 square feet. HIAL has challenged the administration’s decision, and the matter currently awaits judicial consideration. The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is examining the dispute. Officials have cited these proceedings while directing the institute to suspend its activities. The administration believes maintaining the status quo remains necessary until the court decides the matter. Its latest notice specifically cautions HIAL against undertaking actions concerning the school’s functioning. Authorities have also instructed the institute to avoid activities that could potentially prejudice the proceedings. The land dispute therefore remains central to the restrictions imposed on Desert Flower School. The institute must now await the court’s decision before resuming operations.
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HIAL Land Dispute and Sonam Wangchuk’s Activism Remain in Focus
The administration’s notice advised HIAL and Angmo against taking further steps concerning the school’s functioning. Officials specifically mentioned the commencement or continuation of educational activities. The direction will remain effective until the High Court delivers its final decision or issues additional instructions. Authorities also instructed the institute to strictly maintain the existing status quo. The notice cautioned HIAL representatives against actions that could influence or prejudice the pending judicial proceedings. Consequently, Desert Flower School cannot resume activities under the administration’s present direction. The restriction covers the institution’s educational operations while the legal dispute remains unresolved. The administration has emphasised compliance with the notice and the court’s ongoing proceedings. HIAL must therefore refrain from activities that could conflict with the prescribed conditions. The eventual outcome will depend on the High Court’s judgment or any subsequent directions. Until then, the institute faces restrictions on its educational functioning in Phyang.
Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent innovator and climate activist, founded HIAL to promote alternative education approaches. The Desert Flower School operates within the institute’s broader educational ecosystem. The latest administrative action adds another development to the institute’s ongoing legal challenges. Wangchuk has also participated in public demonstrations addressing national education-related concerns. In July, he joined a Cockroach Janata Party protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Demonstrators raised concerns about examination irregularities and the alleged NEET-UG question paper leak. Wangchuk subsequently launched an indefinite hunger strike demanding accountability from authorities. He also called for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. The activist ended his hunger strike after 26 days following discussions with government representatives. Meanwhile, the dispute involving HIAL and its land allotment continues before the High Court. The administration’s latest directive places Desert Flower School’s activities on hold pending judicial resolution. The institute’s future operations will depend on the court’s eventual decision or further orders.
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