JAMMU, Apr 28: In a significant legal development, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator from Doda, Mehraj Malik, was released on Tuesday morning after the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh struck down his detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
Court Verdict Brings Relief
The High Court delivered its ruling on Monday, setting aside the preventive detention order while hearing a habeas corpus petition that challenged the legality of his custody. The bench concluded that the grounds cited for detention did not justify continued confinement under the stringent law.
Release from Kathua Jail
Following the court’s decision, Malik was freed from Kathua district jail after completing all necessary legal procedures early Tuesday. Officials confirmed that the release was carried out promptly after the formal order reached prison authorities.
Background of the Case
The Doda MLA, who also serves as the chief of AAP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit, had been taken into custody on September 8, 2025. Authorities had accused him of engaging in activities deemed prejudicial to public order, leading to his detention under the PSA.
Prolonged Legal Battle
The case underwent extensive hearings over several months. After arguments from both sides were concluded, the High Court had reserved its judgment on February 23. The final verdict, delivered this week, brought an end to Malik’s prolonged detention.
Conditional Freedom
Sources indicated that Malik’s release is subject to the condition that he is not required in connection with any other pending case. With no immediate legal hurdles reported, he has now regained his liberty after nearly eight months in custody.