Mehraj Malik’s PSA detention: Court reserves judgement

Jammu, Feb 23: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Monday reserved its judgment in the preventive detention case of Aam Aadmi Party legislator Mehraj Malik, who has been held under the Public Safety Act since September last year.
Malik, currently lodged in Kathua jail, was detained on September 8 under provisions of the PSA on grounds linked to alleged disturbance of public order. The detention was later challenged before the High Court through a habeas corpus petition questioning its legality.
The petition, which also seeks monetary compensation of Rs 5 crore for what the petitioner terms unlawful confinement, came up for final hearing before Justice Mohammad Yousuf Wani. After hearing detailed submissions from counsel representing both sides, the court reserved the matter for orders.
Legal representatives informed that the bench has granted one week to the petitioner and the State to file written synopses or place any additional material on record before the judgment is delivered.
Advocate Appu Singh Slathia, associated with the petitioner’s legal team, said the case has involved extensive legal proceedings and expressed faith in the judicial process. She urged party workers and supporters to maintain restraint pending the court’s verdict.
The outcome of the case is expected to have wider political and legal implications, given the detention of a sitting legislator under preventive detention law. [KNT]