SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Monday restrained police from filing a charge-sheet against Doda MLA Mehraj Malik, detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) since September 8, 2025, while allowing the investigation to continue, The Chenab Times reported. The case involves allegations of assault and obstructing public servants under Sections 356(2), 79, and 351(2) of the Ranbir Penal Code.
Justice Rajesh Sekhri issued notice to respondents, directing objections within four weeks, with the next hearing set for October 31, 2025, per Kashmir News Trust. The allegations stem from Operation Sindoor, aimed at countering communal divides in Doda.
A dossier by Doda’s Senior Superintendent of Police, forwarded to the J&K Home Department, labeled Malik, an Aam Aadmi Party legislator, a “habitual offender” with 18 FIRs for allegedly threatening officials and inciting unrest, according to recent reports. Malik, lodged in Kathua jail under PSA, faces preventive detention for up to two years without trial.
The detention has triggered widespread protests in Doda and Jammu, with clashes injuring police and protesters, creating tension in the region. National Conference president Farooq Abdullah urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene and secure Malik’s release, stating, “The PM and home minister should intervene in this issue and get the arrested legislator released,” as reported on September 14, 2025. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti called the arrest an “attack on democracy.” On Wednesday last week, Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh was prevented from holding a press conference and protest in Srinagar, further escalating political tensions.
The Chenab Times News Desk