J&K High Court rules detention order unsustainable; leader vows to continue raising public issues
Jammu, April 28 (H.S.): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik was released from Kathua jail on Tuesday after the Jammu and Kashmir High Court quashed his detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
The detention order, issued by the Doda District Magistrate on September 8 last year, was set aside by Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani, who directed authorities to release Malik immediately from preventive custody.
According to his lawyer and AAP spokesperson Appu Singh Slathia, Malik was released after completing all formalities. Supporters gathered outside the jail to welcome him, raising slogans, beating drums and garlanding the leader.
Speaking after his release, Malik thanked the judiciary and said he would continue to raise issues concerning the people. “I thank the judiciary for justice. I will continue to speak for the people,” he said.
Court Observations
The High Court, in its detailed order, held that the detention was legally unsustainable and based on “non-application of mind.” It emphasized the distinction between “law and order” and “public order,” noting that the allegations against Malik did not justify preventive detention under the PSA.
The court observed that there was no “live link or proximity” between the alleged activities and the need for detention, adding that most cases cited against him related to routine law and order issues, including election-related matters.
Background
Malik, who also serves as the AAP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit president, was detained in September over allegations of disturbing public order and was lodged in Kathua jail. He had challenged the detention through a habeas corpus petition filed on September 24, seeking relief and compensation.
The High Court had reserved its judgment on February 23 before delivering the final verdict quashing the detention order.
(With inputs from H.S.) Inputs & Images courtesy: Hindusthan Samachar (H.S.)
Edited by: Dikshita Bollu
Last Updated on: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 4:03 pm by Bollu Dikshitha | Published by: Bollu Dikshitha on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 4:03 pm | News Categories: India
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