Setback to Sonam Wangchuk’s HIAL; Court Directs Reinstatement of Terminated Employee

Muqeet Mubashir

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Leh, November 10: The Ladakh Labour Court has directed the reinstatement of a woman employee of the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL), founded by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and asked the institution to pay Rs 3 lakh maternity benefits to the employee.

 

Petitioner Amina Khatoon- former Purchase Manager of institution had approached the labour court alleging that her services were terminated following childbirth in 2024 without payment of statutory maternity benefits.

During the proceedings, the court of Assistant Labour Commissioner Leh observed that her termination had taken place without prior notice and without following the prescribed procedure, according to details accessed by Kashmir Convener.

During the course of proceedings, the matter was discussed between the parties and it emerged that both parties were willing to explore the possibility of resolving the matter through mutual discussions
Under the proposed settlement, HIAL is required to reinstate Khatoon to her previous position or an equivalent post, with continuity of service.

The proposed terms also provide for payment of ₹3,03,212 as maternity benefits equivalent to 26 weeks, along with a medical bonus of ₹3,500. The institution has been given until November 26 to comply with the proposed settlement. In case of non-compliance, the matter will proceed in accordance with law.

“In the event the respondent fails to comply with the aforesaid proposed settlement on or before 26.11.2026, the proposed settlement shall stand unsuccessful and the matter shall proceed in accordance with law,” reads the order.
Court said in such an eventuality, the applicant’s claim for additional compensation of ₹50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand only), in addition to the aforesaid amount of ₹3,06,712/-, shall also be considered.

HIAL was established by Wangchuk, an education reformer and climate activist, with the stated objective of promoting alternative education based on the ecological, cultural and socio-economic realities of the Himalayan region.
Wangchuk has, over the years, emerged as one of the prominent voices in Ladakh’s political and environmental movements, particularly the campaign seeking statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule.

In September 2025, Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act following violent protests in Leh on September 24, in which four people were killed. The Centre revoked his detention order on March 14, 2026, after nearly six months in custody, paving the way for his release.

Wangchuk also participated in a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi in June 2026, where demonstrators raised concerns over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. He joined the agitation and undertook a hunger strike, which he later ended following assurances from the Union government.