Sonam Wangchuk-Founded School Told to Halt Activities Over Pending Court Case

The Ladakh administration has directed the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL), founded by innovator Sonam Wangchuk, to suspend all activities at its Desert Flower School in Phyang, Leh, until the High Court delivers its final decision in a pending case concerning the institute.

The direction was issued through a notice dated November 1 by the Leh tehsildar's office and addressed to Gitanjali J Angmo, HIAL's co-founder and CEO, who is also Wangchuk's wife.

According to the notice, the administration had received information that classes and other activities at Desert Flower School had commenced without obtaining the requisite consent, clearances or approvals from the competent authorities.

The notice also referred to a communication dated September 22, through which Angmo had sought a no-objection certificate (NOC) for proposed members of the school's managing committee. The school functions within the HIAL ecosystem.

The administration noted that a matter concerning HIAL is currently sub judice before the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

In view of the pending judicial proceedings, the tehsildar advised HIAL and Angmo against taking any further steps concerning the school's functioning or commencement of activities until the high court reaches a final decision or issues further directions.

The notice also called for strict maintenance of the status quo, cautioning the institute against undertaking any action that could prejudice the matter pending before the court.

The directive effectively puts activities at the school on hold until the legal proceedings are concluded or the high court issues an order permitting further action.