J&K High Court quashes PSA detention of Doda MLA Mehraj Malik

Jammu, April 27 The J&K and Ladakh High Court on Monday quashed the detention order of J&K's sole Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA, Mehraj Malik, who was booked under the Public Safety Act in 2025.

Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani announced in open court that the Public Safety Act (PSA) detention of Malik has been quashed.

The court ruled the detention grounds as unsustainable, ending his custody since September 8, 2025, when he became the first sitting MLA in J&K to be booked under the stringent law. Malik, representing Doda, was detained for alleged "activities prejudicial to public order", involving accusations of provoking unrest and confronting officials.

Over 18 cases/police reports were cited, with a 33-page dossier prepared against him.

The High Court, however, found the PSA application, which allows for detention without trial, to be unjustified, granting a habeas corpus petition.

The detention, the first of a sitting MLA under the PSA in the Union Territory, sparked protests, internet suspensions, and political controversy.

Malik challenged the order via a habeas corpus petition in the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, seeking quashing of the detention and Rs 5 crore in compensation.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other leaders had criticised the detention. Malik is now set to be released after completion of legal formalities.

Advocates, who were representing the MLA, said that the court set aside the detention order issued under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act after hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Malik challenging his detention.

The petition challenging the detention had come up for hearing on several dates before the High Court. On February 23 this year, the court had reserved its judgment after completion of arguments by both sides.

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