Jammu, Sept 24: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh at Jammu has admitted a Habeas Corpus petition filed by MLA Doda (East) Mehraj Malik, challenging his detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
The case was heard by Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul, who issued notices to the J&K Home Department, District Magistrate Doda, SSP Doda, and Superintendent District Jail Kathua. A notice was also issued to Deputy Commissioner Doda, Harvinder Singh (IAS). The government, represented by Senior AAG Monika Kohli, has been directed to file its response by October 14, 2025.
Malik, represented by Senior Advocate Rahul Pant along with Advocates S.S. Ahmed, Appu Singh Slathia, M. Zulkarnain Chowdhary, and Joginder Singh Thakur, has sought quashing of the detention order issued by the District Magistrate Doda on September 8, 2025.
Four Killed, Over 70 Injured as Protest Turns Violent in Leh, BJP Office Set Ablaze
His lawyers argued that Malik, being an elected representative, is required by the public to carry out his duties, and urged the court to seek a quick response from the government. The petition also accuses the District Magistrate of personal bias and seeks ₹5 crore compensation for curtailment of Malik’s liberty.
The matter will now come up for hearing again on October 14, 2025.
