24/09/2025
🔴 Breaking News | Jammu & Kashmir
MLA Mehraj Malik Challenges PSA Detention in High Court, Seeks Quashment & ₹5 Crore Compensation
📍 Jammu, Sept 24:
The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has admitted a Habeas Corpus petition filed by Mehraj Malik, MLA Doda (East), challenging his detention under the J&K Public Safety Act (PSA), 1978.
Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul issued notices to the J&K Government, including the Principal Secretary Home, District Magistrate Doda, SSP Doda, Superintendent District Jail Kathua, and Deputy Commissioner Doda S. Harvinder Singh (IAS).
Malik’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate Rahul Pant, argued that the detention order dated September 8, 2025 was arbitrary, politically motivated, and violative of fundamental rights. The MLA has also sought ₹5 crore compensation for curtailment of his liberty.
The Court has directed the government to file its reply by October 14, 2025, the next hearing date.
The case is being seen as one of “wide public importance,” raising critical questions on preventive detention powers versus the democratic role of elected representatives.