Ladakh admin asks Sonam Wangchuk's school to halt activities amid pending HC case

Ladakh admin directs Sonam Wangchuk-founded school to stop ‘unauthorised activities’ amid pending land dispute

LEH: The Ladakh administration has directed the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL), co-founded by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and Gitanjali J Angmo, to halt all activities at Desert Flower School in Phyang until the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh decides the matter.The notice alleges that classes and other activities were started at the school without the necessary approvals from the authorities.In a notice issued on November 1, 2026, the Office of the Tehsildar, Leh, asked HIAL founder and CEO Gitanjali J Angmo not to undertake any further activities at the school while the matter remains pending before the High Court.The administration said classes and other activities were being conducted at Desert Flower School without obtaining the required consent, clearances or approvals from the concerned authorities.

Ladakh administration asks HIAL to halt activities at Desert Flower School

The notice stated that Angmo had earlier written to the Deputy Commissioner, Leh, on September 22, seeking a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or clearance for the proposed members of the Managing Committee of Desert Flower School under the HIAL ecosystem.However, the administration said it had received information that classes and other activities had commenced at the school without the necessary approvals.It also pointed out that the matter concerning HIAL was currently pending before the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

"In view of the matter being under consideration before the Hon'ble court, you are hereby advised not to undertake any action whatsoever in furtherance of the functioning or commencement of activities, until the matter is finally decided by the Hon'ble court or until further directions are issued, as the case may be," the notice stated.

HIAL directed to maintain status quo amid pending court case

The administration further directed Angmo to strictly maintain status quo and ensure that no action was taken that could prejudice the case pending before the High Court.The notice, issued by Tehsildar Leh on November 1, places an administrative restraint on the proposed activities at Desert Flower School amid the ongoing legal proceedings.