BSHindia at 08:17, 8 May 2026

2026-05-08T08:17:09Z

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{{Short description|Arrest of Indian Politician Mehraj Malik}}
{{Infobox court case
|name = Arrest of [[Mehraj Malik]]
|court = [[High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh]]
|image = Arrest of Mehraj Malik.jpeg
|imagesize =
|imagealt =
|caption =
|full name = Mehraj Din Malik Th. Father Shamas Din v. Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir & Others
|date decided = Bailed (order quashed: 27 April 2026;)
|citations = HCP No. 139/2025
|ECLI =
|transcripts =
| judges = Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul<br>Justice [[Sanjay Dhar]]<br>Justice Rajnesh Oswal<br>Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani<br>Justice Rajesh Sekhri
|number of judges =
|decision by =
|concurring =
|dissenting =
|concur/dissent =
|prior actions = Detention Order No. 05 of 2025 dated 08 September 2025 issued by District Magistrate, Doda under J&K Public Safety Act, 1978
|appealed from =
|appealed to =
|subsequent actions =
|related actions =
|opinions =
|keywords = {{Hlist|[[Public Safety Act]]|[[Habeas corpus]]|[[Preventive detention]]|[[Constitution of India|Article 21]]|[[Constitution of India|Article 22]]|[[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)]]|[[Mehraj Malik]]}}
|italic title = no
}}
On September 8, 2025 '''[[Mehraj Malik]]''' was placed under preventive detention under the [[Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, 1978]] (PSA). Malik, the sole Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the [[Aam Aadmi Party]] (AAP) in Jammu and Kashmir, representing the [[Doda Assembly constituency|Doda East assembly constituency]], was arrested on grounds of activities prejudicial to public order. The detention, the first of a sitting MLA under the PSA in the Union Territory, sparked protests, internet suspensions, and political controversy.<ref name="The Hindu-2025b">{{Cite news|title=AAP MLA arrested under Public Safety Act; J&K CM, parties condemn move|url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/jammu-and-kashmir-assembly/aap-mla-mehraj-malik-detained-under-psa-in-jks-doda/article70025602.ece|date=2025-09-08|work=The Hindu|access-date=2025-12-04}}</ref><ref name="The Week-2025">{{Cite news|title=Arrest of J&K AAP MLA Mehraj Malik under PSA Act marks new threshold in use of controversial law|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2025/09/09/arrest-of-j-k-aap-mla-mehraj-malik-under-psa-act-marks-new-threshold-in-use-of-controversial-law.html|date=2025-09-09|work=The Week|access-date=2025-12-04}}</ref> 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 ₹5 crore in compensation.<ref name="LiveLaw-2025">{{Cite news|title=J&K&L High Court Issues Notice On Plea Challenging Detention Of AAP MLA Mehraj Din Malik Under Public Safety Act|url=https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/jammu-kashmir/jammu-kashmir-high-court-hearing-plea-against-aap-mla-mehraj-din-malik-psa-detention-305101|date=2025-09-25|work=LiveLaw|access-date=2025-12-04}}</ref>

== Background ==
Mehraj Malik, born in 1988, is a social worker and politician from Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir. He joined the AAP in 2013 and contested independently in the 2014 assembly elections. In 2020, he won the [[District Development Council]] election from [[Kahara, Jammu and Kashmir|Kahara]]. Malik was appointed AAP's Jammu and Kashmir state president on March 21, 2025. He secured victory in the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election from Doda, defeating the BJP candidate by 4,538 votes, becoming the party's first and only MLA in the region.<ref name="The Hindu-2025b"/>

Prior to his arrest, Malik had a history of legal issues, including 18 First Information Reports (FIRs) and 16 Daily Diary Reports (DDRs) between 2014 and 2025. These involved allegations of assaulting public servants, unlawful assembly, intimidation, hate speech, and violation of prohibitory orders.<ref name="Hindustan Times-2025b">{{Cite news|title=18 FIRs, 16 DDRs: Doda MLA Malik a history-sheeter, reveals dossier|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/18-firs-16-ddrs-against-doda-aap-mla-mehraj-malik-dossier-101757588487515.html|date=2025-09-11|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=2025-12-04}}</ref><ref name="The Indian Express-2025">{{Cite news|title=J&K's only AAP MLA is first legislator to be detained under Public Safety Act for a year|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jammu-and-kashmir-aap-mla-psa-detained-10237656/|date=2025-09-08|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2025-12-04}}</ref> In May 2025, he allegedly threatened doctors at [[Government Medical College, Doda]], leading to a strike and an FIR.<ref name="Hindustan Times-2025b"/>

The immediate trigger was a viral video from early September 2025, where Malik allegedly used abusive language against Doda Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh during a dispute over pending dues for relief workers amid floods and heavy rains in the region.<ref name="The Hindu-2025b"/><ref name="Kashmir Times-2025">{{Cite news|title=Doda Unrest: MLA Mehraj Malik's PSA Arrest Sparks Protests|url=https://kashmirtimes.com/news/doda-on-the-boil-if-mla-mehraj-malik-can-be-arrested-under-psa-anyone-can-be|date=2025-09-11|work=Kashmir Times|access-date=2025-12-04}}</ref> On September 5, tensions escalated over the shifting of a primary health sub-centre in Kencha village in Malik's constituency, which Malik had relocated to a building allegedly owned by one of his supporters; Malik argued that the structure was safer and more accessible for villagers.<ref name="The New Indian Express-2025">{{Cite news|title=AAP seeks special J&K assembly session over MLA Mehraj's arrest, urges CM Omar to visit him in Jail|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Sep/13/aap-seeks-special-jk-assembly-session-over-mla-mehrajs-arrest-urges-cm-omar-to-visit-him-in-jail|date=2025-09-13|work=The New Indian Express|access-date=2025-12-04}}</ref>

== Arrest and Detention Order ==
On September 8, 2025, Doda District Magistrate Harvinder Singh issued Detention Order No. 05 of 2025 under Section 8 of the PSA, authorizing Malik's preventive detention for up to one year without trial.<ref name="Greater Kashmir-2025">{{Cite news|title=MLA Mehraj Malik challenges PSA detention; seeks quashment, Rs 5 crore compensation|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/latest-news/mla-mehraj-malik-challenges-psa-detention-seeks-quashment-rs-5-crore-compensation/|date=2025-09-24|work=Greater Kashmir|access-date=2025-12-04}}</ref><ref name="The Indian Express-2025"/> The order cited Malik's "continual unlawful conduct" as a "grave threat" to public order, referencing his history of FIRs and recent inflammatory remarks.<ref name="Hindustan Times-2025b"/> Malik was arrested at Dak Bungalow, Doda, while en route to flood-affected areas, and initially lodged in Bhaderwah Jail before transfer to Kathua District Jail.<ref>{{Cite news|title=AAP MLA Mehraj Malik detained under PSA|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/front-page-2/aap-mla-mehraj-malik-detained-under-psa/|date=2025-09-08|work=Greater Kashmir|access-date=2025-12-04}}</ref>

The PSA, enacted in 1978, permits detention without charges if deemed necessary for state security or public order.<ref name="The Week-2025"/> Critics, including Amnesty International, have labeled it "draconian."<ref name="The Hindu-2025a">{{Cite news|title=Doda Protest: J&K tense after MLA Mehraj Malik's PSA detention; Security forces deployed|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jammu-and-kashmir/jammu-kashmirs-doda-remains-tense-additional-security-forces-deployed-in-sensitive-areas/article70033090.ece|date=2025-09-10|work=The Hindu|access-date=2025-12-04}}</ref>

== Protests and Public Reaction ==
Malik's arrest triggered immediate protests in [[Doda, Jammu and Kashmir|Doda]], [[Thathri]], [[Bhalessa]], and [[Jammu]], with demonstrators demanding revocation of the PSA and his release.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Arrested AAP MLA's supporters stage protests in Doda, demand revocation of PSA|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jammu-and-kashmir/arrested-aap-mlas-supporters-stage-protests-in-doda-demand-revocation-of-psa/article70029985.ece|date=2025-09-09|work=The Hindu|access-date=2025-12-04}}</ref><ref name="The Hindu-2025a"/> Clashes with security forces led to injuries, over 200 detentions, and 15 FIRs against protesters.<ref name="The New Indian Express-2025"/> Authorities imposed Section 144 restrictions, suspended internet services, and deployed additional forces.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Authorities impose restrictions in J&K's Doda to prevent fresh protests over AAP MLA's arrest; internet suspended|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Sep/10/protests-erupt-in-jks-doda-as-aap-mla-mehraj-malik-detained-under-psa-internet-services-suspended|date=2025-09-10|work=The New Indian Express|access-date=2025-12-04}}</ref>

Political reactions were swift. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister [[Omar Abdullah]] condemned the arrest as an "attack on democracy."<ref name="The News Mill-2025">{{Cite news|title="Wrongly charged under PSA": AAP MLA Mehraj Malik's father questions his son's detention|url=https://thenewsmill.com/2025/09/wrongly-charged-under-psa-aap-mla-mehraj-maliks-father-questions-his-sons-detention/|date=2025-09-09|work=The News Mill|access-date=2025-12-04}}</ref> AAP national convenor [[Arvind Kejriwal]] called it a "grave crime" for demanding healthcare facilities.<ref name="The News Mill-2025"/> National Conference leaders Farooq and Omar Abdullah, Congress's G.A. Mir, and PDP's Mehbooba Mufti criticized the move as undemocratic.<ref name="The Hindu-2025b"/><ref name="Kashmir Times-2025"/> AAP demanded a special assembly session and urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to visit Malik in jail.<ref name="The New Indian Express-2025"/>

An online petition on [[Change.org]] titled "Release Mehraj Malik and Repeal PSA from Jammu and Kashmir" garnered significant support.<ref name="The Week-2025"/><ref>{{cite news | last=Rihat | first=Tahir | title=Petition Seeking Release of AAP Leader Mehraj Malik Garners Over 17,000 Signatures as High Court Hearing Looms | date=7 October 2025 | url=https://thechenabtimes.com/2025/10/07/petition-seeking-release-of-aap-leader-mehraj-malik-garners-over-17000-signatures-as-high-court-hearing-looms/ | language=en-US | access-date=4 December 2025 }}</ref> Senior advocate Nirmal K. Kotwal withdrew from AAP's legal team on September 18, citing objectionable videos of Malik.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Senior advocate withdraws from defending detained AAP MLA Mehraj Malik: 'His utterances are…'|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/aap-mla-mehraj-malik-detained-advocate-withdraws-10257649/|date=2025-09-18|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2025-12-04}}</ref>

== Legal Proceedings ==
On September 24, 2025, Malik filed Habeas Corpus Petition (HCP) No. 139/2025 in the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh at Jammu, challenging the detention as "arbitrary and mala fide" and seeking immediate release and ₹5 crore compensation for rights violations under Articles 21 and 22 of the Indian Constitution.<ref name="LiveLaw-2025"/><ref name="Greater Kashmir-2025"/> The petition alleged bias by the District Magistrate.<ref>{{Cite news|title=AAP MLA Challenges PSA In J&K High Court, Seeks ₹5 Cr|url=https://kashmirobserver.net/2025/09/24/mla-malik-challenges-psa-detention-hc-seeks-govt-response/|date=2025-09-24|work=Kashmir Observer|access-date=2025-12-04}}</ref>

Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul admitted the petition and issued notices to respondents, including the Principal Secretary (Home), Doda DM, SSP Doda, and Kathua Jail Superintendent, directing responses by October 14.<ref name="LiveLaw-2025"/><ref>{{Cite news|title=Jammu & Kashmir High Court notice to officials as AAP MLA challenges arrest under PSA|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jammu-and-kashmir/jammu-kashmir-high-court-notice-to-officials-as-aap-mla-challenges-arrest-under-psa/article70090241.ece|date=2025-09-24|work=The Hindu|access-date=2025-12-04}}</ref> Senior Additional Advocate General Monika Kohli accepted notices in court.<ref>{{Cite news|title=HC admits AAP MLA Mehraj Malik's habeas corpus petition challenging PSA detention|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/hc-admits-aap-mla-mehraj-maliks-habeas-corpus-petition-challenging-psa-detention-1503491057.html|date=2025-09-24|work=The Statesman|access-date=2025-12-04}}</ref>

Subsequent hearings:
* '''October 14, 2025:''' Before Justice [[Sanjay Dhar]]; adjourned for responses by November 7, with interim plea for assembly participation and Rajya Sabha voting.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/for-participating-in-upcoming-rs-polls-assembly-session-hc-asks-j-k-govt-to-file-response-on-malik-s-plea-by-october-18-101760469949689.html |title=HC asks J&K govt to file response on Malik's plea by October 18 |work=Hindustan Times |date=14 October 2025 |access-date=22 March 2026}}</ref>
* '''November 7, 2025:''' Before Justice Rajnesh Oswal; fixed for final hearing on November 20.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://lawtrend.in/jk-high-court-to-hear-aap-mla-mehraj-maliks-habeas-corpus-plea-on-november-20/ |title=J&K High Court to Hear AAP MLA Mehraj Malik's Habeas Corpus Plea on November 20 |work=Law Trend |date=7 November 2025 |access-date=22 March 2026}}</ref>
* '''November 20, 2025:''' Before Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani; arguments heard for over an hour; adjourned to December 4, with detention records ordered.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/j-k/detained-aap-mla-mehraj-maliks-plea-listed-for-final-hearing-in-jk-hc-on-december-4/ |title=Detained AAP MLA Mehraj Malik's plea listed for final hearing in J&K HC on December 4 |work=The Tribune |date=20 November 2025 |access-date=22 March 2026}}</ref>
* '''December 4, 2025:''' Marked part-heard before Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani; final arguments scheduled for December 18.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/high-court-to-hear-detained-jk-aap-chiefs-plea-on-november-20/articleshow/125169234.cms |title=High Court to hear detained J&K AAP chief's plea on November 20 |work=The Times of India |date=7 November 2025 |access-date=22 March 2026}}</ref>
* '''December 27, 2025:''' Before Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani; matter heard at length and listed as item No. 1 for January 29, 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://kashmirreader.com/2025/12/28/hc-hears-habeas-corpus-plea-of-aap-mla-malik/ |title=HC hears habeas corpus plea of AAP MLA Malik |work=Kashmir Reader |date=28 December 2025 |access-date=22 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/high-court-defers-hearing-in-mla-mehraj-maliks-psa-case-to-january-29/ |title=High Court defers hearing in MLA Mehraj Malik's PSA case to Jan 29 |work=Daily Excelsior |date=27 December 2025 |access-date=22 March 2026}}</ref>
* '''February 5, 2026:''' Listed for final hearing before Justice Rajesh Sekhri on the single bench.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://thechenabtimes.com/2026/01/29/high-court-sets-february-5-2026-for-final-hearing-in-doda-mla-mehraj-din-maliks-habeas-corpus-petition/ |title=High Court Sets February 5, 2026 for Final Hearing in Doda MLA Mehraj Din Malik's Habeas Corpus Petition |work=The Chenab Times |date=29 January 2026 |access-date=22 March 2026}}</ref>
* '''February 23, 2026:''' Before Justice Mohammad Yousuf Wani via virtual mode; arguments from both sides completed and order reserved. Both parties granted one week to file written synopses.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://kashmirobserver.net/2026/02/23/jk-hc-reserves-order-on-mla-mehraj-maliks-psa-case/ |title=J&K High Court Reserves Order On Doda MLA's PSA Plea |work=Kashmir Observer |date=23 February 2026 |access-date=22 March 2026}}</ref><ref name="Law Trend-2026">{{Cite web |url=https://lawtrend.in/jk-and-ladakh-hc-reserves-order-on-habeas-corpus-plea-challenging-psa-detention-of-aap-mla-mehraj-malik/ |title=J&K and Ladakh HC Reserves Order On Habeas Corpus Plea Challenging PSA Detention of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik |work=Law Trend |date=23 February 2026 |access-date=22 March 2026}}</ref>

Malik's counsel, led by Senior Advocate Rahul Pant (assisted by Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed, Appu Singh Slathia, M. Zulkarnain Chowdhary, and others), argues the detention lacks evidence and stems from bias.<ref name="LiveLaw-2025"/> The government maintains the action was necessary for public safety.<ref name="Hindustan Times-2025b"/>

In a related case, on October 23, 2025, Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul quashed the PSA detention of Malik's aide, Mohammad Rafi alias Pinka, citing vague grounds.<ref>{{Cite news|title=J&K: HC quashes detention of aide of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik under PSA|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/jk-hc-quashes-detention-of-aide-of-aap-mla-mehraj-malik-under-psa-101761248251082.html|date=2025-10-23|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=2025-12-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=High Court quashes preventive detention of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik's aide under PSA|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/high-court-quashes-preventive-detention-of-aap-mla-mehraj-maliks-aide-under-psa-1503502347.html|date=2025-10-23|work=The Statesman|access-date=2025-12-04}}</ref>

== Impact ==
The arrest prevented Malik from attending the assembly session and Rajya Sabha polls; he voted via postal ballot. AAP formed a 10-member legal team on September 14 to challenge the detention.<ref name="Hindustan Times-2025a">{{cite news | last=Hussain | first=Ashiq | title=AAP forms legal team to challenge arrest of its lone MLA Mehraj Malik in J&K | website=Hindustan Times | date=14 September 2025 | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/aap-forms-legal-team-to-challenge-arrest-of%20-its-lone-mla-mehraj-malik-in-jk-101757870430607.html) | access-date=22 March 2026}}</ref> The case has fueled debates on PSA's misuse against elected officials post-Article 370 abrogation.<ref name="The Week-2025"/>

As of March 2026, Malik remains in custody. The High Court reserved its order on February 23, 2026, following completion of arguments from both sides before Justice Mohammad Yousuf Wani.<ref name="Law Trend-2026"/> J&K Deputy Chief Minister [[Surinder Kumar Choudhary|Surinder Chaudhary]] publicly expressed hope that the judiciary would deliver justice in Malik's case, drawing a parallel with the detention of climate activist [[Sonam Wangchuk]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/hope-judiciary-does-justice-with-mehraj-malik-like-it-did-in-wangchuks-case-jk-dy-cm/ |title=Hope judiciary does justice with Mehraj Malik like it did in Wangchuk's case: J&K Dy CM |date=18 March 2026|work=[[Daily Excelsior]] |access-date=22 March 2026}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Mehraj Malik]]
* [[Doda Assembly constituency]]
== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:September 2025 in India]]
[[Category:2025 in Indian law]]
[[Category:2020s in Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Arrests of individual people]]
[[Category:Aam Aadmi Party]]

Arrest of Mehraj Malik - Revision history

BSHindia at 08:17, 8 May 2026